Diet of Western Screech-Owls in the interior of British Columbia

Helen Davis1,3 and Richard J. Cannings2

1 Artemis Wildlife Consultants, 4515 Hullcar Road, Armstrong, B.C. V0E 1B4; e-mail: hdavis@artemiswildlife.com
2 Cannings Holm Consulting, S11 C96 RR1, Naramata, B.C. V0H 1N0
3 Corresponding Author

Abstract: During 2006 and 2007, we radio-located Western Screech-Owls (Megascops kennicottii macfarlanei) at roost sites along the Shuswap River, British Columbia, Canada. Between March and November, we collected regurgitated pellets at these roosts and analysed them for content. Screech-owls had a diverse diet that included small mammals, birds, fish and insects. Female owls included more mammals in their diet than males did, and males included more insects than females did. We speculate that differential niche utilization may reduce intersexual competition for food resources within this endangered species.

Key words: Western Screech-Owl, Megascops kennicottii macfarlanei, diet, intersexual competition, niche separation

PDFicon Davis, H. and R.J. Cannings. 2008. Diet of Western Screech-owls in the interior of British Columbia. British Columbia Birds 18:19-22.

 

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