Diet of Morepork ( Ninox novaeseelandiae ) throughout New Zealand by analysis of stomach contents | Notornis and Birds New Zealand

Notornis

Clout, MN¹  Haw, JM¹ 

关键词: diet;    Insecta;    Owl;    Strigiformes;   

DOI  :  

学科分类：动物科学

来源: Ornithological Society of New Zealand Inc.

【 摘 要 】

The diet of the Morepork (Ninox novaeseelandiae) in New Zealand was investigated by analysing stomach contents. In the sample of 75 stomachs from throughout New Zealand, 1696 prey items were identified, 98% of them invertebrates. Major invertebrate prey taken included Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Orthoptera. Lepidoptera were consumed mostly in summer and Coleoptera in winter. Vertebrate prey were predominantly birds, but included one house mouse (Mus musculus). New dietary items included praying mantis (Dictyoptera), blowflies (Diptera), wasps (Hymenoptera), and slaters (Isopoda). Most prey was 20-50 mm in body length. Diets of male and female Moreporks were similar, as were those of North and South Island birds. As suggested from other studies, the diet of Moreporks is varied, but consists primarily of invertebrates. Food habits apparently reflect the seasonal abundance of prey.

【 授权许可】

Unknown