The taphonomy of medium‐sized grouse in food remains of the northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis, compared with damage done by man and other predators

Abstract

AbstractThis study describes bone damage of medium‐sized grouse (Lyrurus tetrix and Lagopus spp.) in food remains of the northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis and compares it to damage done by other birds of prey and humans. In general, the ‘signature’ left on the bones by the goshawk is similar to those of other diurnal birds of prey, but it differs from human‐derived damage and from owl pellets. These differences are visible in bone preservation, fragmentation and perforation. This study is the first to describe the characteristic damage to the sternum and coracoid that is probably typical of other raptors as well. Reliable analysis of zooarchaeological materials requires not only correct identification to the species but also determining where the bones came from at a given site. Bird bones from open‐air archaeological sites may contain food remains of the goshawk, whose habitat is forests in the vicinity of open areas. This study will assist in determining the factor(s) responsible for the accumulation of zooarchaeological materials.