Bird Predation ID

Identifying predation of birds and fowl is a challenging activity. Like all predation identification, there are a lot of factors to consider before rushing to a judgement. It is very easy to be wrong and blame the innocent. Fortunately, there are some important clues that you should consider. One in particular, is the feather. When you look The question is, how does one know if the suspect animal killed or was simply feeding on the already dead bird carcass?

One tip is to carefully check the feathers particularly the tip of the feather that would be held by the skin. Wear waterproof gloves as you always want to consider zoonotic diseases when handling wildlife materials. This part of the feather is called a calamus, but some may call it the root. If the root is smooth as pictured in the photo (the circled part), then you know the feather was removed while the bird was still warm. If the root has bits of flesh attached the feather came from the bird when it was cold, i.e. dead.

Clearly this bird predation id tip doesn’t cover every option, but timing can help exonerate or potentially implicate a suspected animal.

If you would like to learn more about wildlife damage identification, including predation identification, get a copy of the Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook.

Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE, is the owner of Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. He helps people restore their balance with nature through publishing, training, consulting, and the internet. He has published numerous articles in trade and academic publications available at {Stephen’s Academia.edu Page} along with several books {WCC Store}). Listen to his podcast “Living the Wild Life” at {Pest Geek Podcast}. Click the links for past {shows} and {interviews}. Please subscribe to {Stephen’s YouTube Channel} He is a sought after speaker and trainer. If you would like to have Stephen speak at your event or use his consultation services, send an e-mail to [email protected] Copyright All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text (not images) may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included. If images wish to be used, explicit and written permission must be obtained from Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC.