Swimming Long-tailed Vole (Microtus longicaudus) Killed by an Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

Abstract

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) are piscivores, and observations of them preying on non-fish species are rare. I observed an Osprey preying on a Long-tailed Vole (Microtus longicaudus) that was swimming in the Sikanni Chief River in northeastern British Columbia. This is one of few reports of an Osprey preying on a small mammal, and it provides further evidence that Osprey may prey on such species as the opportunity arises. This observation also points to the apparent vulnerability of small rodents to novel predators while they are swimming.