Northern Goshawk, Accipiter gentilis, Exploits a Beagle Hound, Canis familiaris, as a "Beater" to Catch a Snowshoe Hare, Lepus americanus

Authors

  • John T. Neville Wildlife Division, Department of Environment and Conservation, P.O. Box 2007, Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador A2H 7S1

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v121i3.485

Keywords:

Northern Goshawk, Accipiter gentilis, Snowshoe Hare, Lepus americanus, beagle, Canis familiaris, beater, hunting, Newfoundland

Abstract

During a winter Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus) hunt with a beagle hound (Canis familiaris), I observed an adult Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) exploiting the running, barking hound as a “beater” and use strategic locations for attacks. The hawk made three attacks on a hare being pursued by the hound, and subsequently caught and killed it. To my knowledge, this report represents the first record of a Northern Goshawk using this behavior to capture prey.

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Issue

Vol. 121 No. 3 (2007)

Section

Notes

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