Pellet analyses of wintering Short-Eared Owl (Asio flammeus) in Central Israel

What is it about?

This study explores the diet of the Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) in central Israel. It shows that the owl mainly relies on rodents, especially Günther's vole, for food, with mammals making up 98.2% of its diet. We analyzed 260 pellets and found 385 prey items, mostly small mammals. The study also highlights that the owl breeds opportunistically, migrating based on prey availability, sometimes outside its usual range. The research stresses the need to protect both the owls and their rodent prey in a changing environment.

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