Apparent Predation by Gray Jays, Perisoreus canadensis, on Long-toed Salamanders, Ambystoma macrodactylum, in the Oregon Cascade Range

Authors

  • Michael P. Murray Crater Lake National Park, P.O. Box 7, Crater Lake, Oregon 97604
  • Christopher A. Pearl USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, Oregon 97331
  • R. Bruce Bury USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, Oregon 97331

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v119i2.116

Keywords:

Gray Jay, Perisoreus canadensis, Long-toed Salamander, Ambystoma macrodactylum, amphibian, corvid, diet, larvae, pond

Abstract

We report observations of Gray Jays (Perisoreus canadensis) appearing to consume larval Long-toed Salamanders (Ambystoma macrodactylum) in a drying subalpine pond in Oregon, USA. Corvids are known to prey upon a variety of anuran amphibians, but to our knowledge, this is the first report of predation by any corvid on aquatic salamanders. Long-toed Salamanders appear palatable to Gray Jays, and may provide a food resource to Gray Jays when salamander larvae are concentrated in drying temporary ponds.

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Issue

Vol. 119 No. 2 (2005)

Section

Notes

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