Kleptoparasitism by bald eagles wintering in south-central Nebraska
Journal of Field Ornithology
By: Dennis G. Jorde and G.R. Lingle
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Abstract
Kleptoparasitism on other raptors was one means by which Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) secured food along the North Platte and Platte rivers during the winters of 1978-1980. Species kelptoparasitized were Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis), Red-tailed Hawk (B. jamaicensis), Rough-legged Hawk (B. lagopus), Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), and Bald Eagle. Stealing of prey occurred more often during the severe winter of 1978-1979 when ice cover restricted eagles from feeding on fish than during the milder winter of 1979-1980. Kleptoparasitism occurred principally in agricultural habitats where large numbers of Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) were foraging. Subadults watched adults steal food and participated in food-stealing with adults, which indicated interspecific kleptoparasitism may be a learned behavior. We suggest factors that may favor interspecific kleptoparasitism as a foraging strategy of Bald Eagles in obtaining waterfowl during severe winters.
Suggested Citation
Jorde, D., Lingle, G., 1988, Kleptoparasitism by bald eagles wintering in south-central Nebraska: Journal of Field Ornithology, v. 59, no. 2, p. 183-188.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Kleptoparasitism by bald eagles wintering in south-central Nebraska |
| Series title | Journal of Field Ornithology |
| Volume | 59 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Year Published | 1988 |
| Language | English |
| Contributing office(s) | Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center |
| Description | 6 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Journal of Field Ornithology |
| First page | 183 |
| Last page | 188 |