1995
De fabel van de Buizerd, de Torenvalk en de Regenworm
Publication
Publication
De Takkeling , Volume 3 - Issue 2 p. 42- 44
In the polders of Zuidelijk and Oostelijk Flevoland Common Buzzards and Kestrels commonly exploit earthworms in winter. Measurements and weights of three earthworm-eating firstwinter Common Buzzards are given. Their mean body mass of 787 g was almost similar to the average body mass of 793 g of 53 Common Buzzards captured in winter in the same area (minimum of 585 g, maximum of 1040 g), indicating that earthworms can be a sustainable food source. Common Buzzards are probably more adept in exploiting earthworms than Kestrels. A Kestrel was seen to search and strike from poles (six worms in 5 min), whereas a Common Buzzard walked through the meadows and picked up earthworms in passing (35 worms in 5 min, same spot and date as the Kestrel). It is suggested that worm-eating does not affect the condition of Common Buzzards and Kestrels negatively, contrary to common belief.
Additional Metadata | |
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De Takkeling | |
CC BY 3.0 NL ("Naamsvermelding") | |
Organisation | Werkgroep Roofvogels Nederland |
Ton Eggenhuizen, & Kees Breek. (1995). De fabel van de Buizerd, de Torenvalk en de Regenworm. De Takkeling, 3(2), 42–44. |