Selection of carrion by the Australasian harrier (Circus approximate) in New Zealand

Abstract

The selection of carrion by Australasian harriers was studied by offering a choice of baits in the field. These trials tested preferences for carrion species, amount of flesh exposed, body posture, and colour of the carrion. Domestic hen pullets and Norway rats were chosen significantly more often than rabbits, opossums, or eels. Skinned rabbits were preferred to unskinned ones. Body posture of rabbit carcasses did not appear to affect a harrier's choice. White and blue baits were preferred to red, brown, or green baits. The most important factors involved in the selection of carrion by harriers appear to be the ease of handling of the carrion, and the colour of the bait.