Journal article
Novel observation of a raptor, Collared Forest-falcon (Micrastur semitorquatus), depredating a fleeing snake at an army ant (Eciton burchellii parvispinum) raid front
The Wilson journal of ornithology, v 130(3), pp 792-796
01 Sep 2018
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Eciton burchellii is a Neotropical army ant that influences the ecology of many associated animal species, including their prey and species that attend the ant's foraging raids. At least 29 bird species are obligate specialists on foraging at army ant raid fronts, and additional species across diverse avian orders follow army ant raids in a facultative manner. These facultative ant-following birds include species of raptors in Accipitriformes, Strigiformes, and Falconiformes. The most frequently documented raptors that follow raids are forest-falcons in the genus Micrastur. Micrastur falcons add a unique type of predation to raids, catching larger arthropod species that would otherwise likely escape the ants, and also prey on small fleeing vertebrates, such as lizards and other ant-following bird species. Here we present an observation of a Collared Forest-falcon (Micrastur semitorquatus) attending an E. b. parvispinum raid and flying toward a Ruddy Woodcreeper (Dendrocincla homochroa) at the raid front, as well as capturing a fleeing snake from the raid front. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a snake falling prey to a raptor at an army ant raid front.
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Details
- Title
- Novel observation of a raptor, Collared Forest-falcon (Micrastur semitorquatus), depredating a fleeing snake at an army ant (Eciton burchellii parvispinum) raid front
- Creators
- Robert J. Driver - Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel UniversitySara DeLeon - Coppanz 14, Bucha, GermanySean O'Donnell - Drexel University
- Publication Details
- The Wilson journal of ornithology, v 130(3), pp 792-796
- Publisher
- Wilson Ornithological Soc
- Number of pages
- 7
- Grant note
- Drexel University startup funds National Geographic/Waitt Foundation; National Geographic Society
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Science (BEES)
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000458461000026
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85055864250
- Other Identifier
- 991019167780704721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Ornithology