Prey Selection in the American Kestrel: Experiments with Two Species of Prey

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Abstract
Each of 7 American kestrels was offered a single white mouse for 10 consecutive captures each day. On the 11th trial the birds were offered a choice between a mouse and a young domestic chick. This procedure was repeated daily for 16 days or for 15 days after the 1st chick was selected. The entire series was then replicated offering 10 chicks, and then a choice. Three birds showed a significant preference for chicks throughout both parts of the experiment; this was interpreted as selection for easy prey. Four birds preferred chicks in the 1st part of the experiments and mice in the 2nd part, indicating a preference for odd prey. Oddity apparently influences prey selection in multispecies prey systems, but this influence can be obscured by other factors, such as the difficulty of prey capture.

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