Influence of snow cover on prey selection by Long-eared OwlsAsio otus

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Abstract
During winter the composition of the diet of the Long-eared Owls present at a roost varied in relation to the ground snow cover; birds and riparial rodents increased when ground cover was complete. A comparison between diet and prey availability (assessed by trapping) showed that small mammal species were mostly preyed upon in relation to their abundance; the scarce presence of Insectivores in the diet is apparently due to their reduced seasonal availability. Long-eared Owls behaved as adaptable predators; their dietary specialization in Northern Europe may be due to the great abundance of Microtinae at high latitude.