Bald Eagles, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Feeding on Spawning Plainfin Midshipman, Porichthys notatus, at Crescent Beach, British Columbia

Authors

  • Kyle Hamish Elliott Vancouver Natural History Society, PO Box 3021, Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 3X5
  • Christina L. Struik Canadian Wildlife Service, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, 5421 Robertson Road, RR1 Delta, British Columbia V4K 3N2
  • John E. Elliott Canadian Wildlife Service, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, 5421 Robertson Road, RR1 Delta, British Columbia V4K 3N2

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v117i4.829

Keywords:

Bald Eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, foraging rates, Plainfin Midshipman, Porichthys notatus, British Columbia

Abstract

We observed Bald Eagles feeding on Plainfin Midshipman near Crescent Beach, British Columbia, in May and June 2001 and 2002. We quantified consumption rates and eagle numbers during this period, illustrating the potential importance of this food source to breeding eagles. Tide height was the only significant factor influencing consumption rates, likely because this variable reflected the availability of midshipman prey.

Nous avons observé les Pygargues à tête blanche alimenter sur les Crapauds à nageoire unie près de Crescent Beach, Colombie-Britannique, en maie et juin 2001 et 2002. Nous avons mesuré les cadences de consommation et les nombres de pygargues pendant cette période, illustrant l’importance potentielle de cette source de nourriture pour les aigles. La taille de marée était le seul facteur significatif influençant les cadences de consommation et les nombres de pygargues pendant la période d’étude, probablement parce que cette variable a reflété la disponibilité des crapauds.

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Issue

Vol. 117 No. 4 (2003)

Section

Articles

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