Swainson's hawk predation on dragonflies in Argentina

Abstract

Swainson’s Hawks (Buteo swainsoni) have a diverse diet consisting of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and a wide array of invertebrates (Bent 1937, Dunkle 1977, Schmutz et al. 1980, Bednatz 1988, Steenhof and Kochert 1985). A number of observations document extensive feeding on invertebrates, including crayfish (White 1966), crickets (White 1966), grasshoppers (Bent 1937, Taylor 1946, Woffinden 1986) and dobsonflies (Bent 1937). Predation on invertebrates generally involves flocks of Swainson’s Hawks preying on aggregations of invertebrates. Here we report on Swainson’s Hawk predation on invertebrates in Argentina that was notable because of the taxon involved and the magnitude of the event.

Keywords

Swainson's hawk, dragonflies, Argentina, diet, invertebrates

Citation

Rudolph, D. Craig; Fisher, Charles D. 1993. Swainson's hawk predation on dragonflies in Argentina. Wilson Bulletin 105(2):365-366.