Diet and multi-taxa neo-taphonomy of Glaucidium nana (Aves, Strigiformes) from southeastern Patagonia and comparisons with G. brasilianum from Chaco forest and other owls

Abstract

ABSTRACT The diet and neo-taphonomy of Glaucidium nana (Aves, Strigiformes), evaluated from pellets and leftover prey recovered in nest-boxes from a National Park of southeastern Patagonia are studied. Comparative evaluations are conducted with microvertebrate samples obtained from other raptors, particularly those of G. brasilianum from the Chaco forest in Argentina. The diet of G. nana reported here agrees with the generalist trophic behaviour of this species already documented, which feeds on invertebrate (insects and arachnids) and vertebrate prey (amphibian, reptiles, birds and mammals), mainly caviomorph rodents heavier than itself. The taphonomic attributes allow us to place the two species of Glaucidium in the moderate modification category. They could deposit their diet remains in several open-air sites, mainly in wooded and rocky areas, where the cavity nests are located. Later, their bone accumulation –composed of microvertebrates with evidence of moderate bone modifications and/or with articulated skulls and limb bones without digestive corrosion- might integrate into the lithosphere. Understanding the trophic interactions between predators and prey, and their taphonomic signatures, as well as identifying their nesting areas, is crucial for archaeology/palaeontology analysis and for developing effective conservation and management strategies within protected areas.