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Small mammals in owl pellets on small islands
When we work on studying the distribution of mammals, small islands occupy a special position. Since many mammals are nocturnal, they are difficult to register. But here we can get help from owls, who mainly feed on mammals such as mice and shrews.
On small islands, there is definitely a possibility of still finding “new” small mammals. With the owls’ fantastic eyesight and hearing, we have a good helper. We can take advantage of that!
If you have the opportunity to send owl flies that you have found on a smaller island, you are very welcome to send them to me, and I will examine them for prey. Perhaps you can help discover a new species for the island.
Please send the flies in a closed plastic bag to the undersigned, Jørgen Terp Laursen Engdalsvej 81b, 8220 Brabrand. I will be happy to pay the shipping via MobilePay. You will then be sent the results of the studies, and they will then be included in a status of Denmark's mammals.
A little help
How do I know the difference between owl pellets and where do I find them?
Typical places to find pellets from Danish owl species:
Barn Owl (Tyto alba): Only inside buildings (agriculture).
Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo): In gravel pits and on the forest floor.
Pigmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum): Coniferous Forest.
Little Owl (Athene noctua): Buildings inside and outside (small farms).
Tawny Owl (Strix aluco): Inside buildings, but especially in older mixed forest.
Long-Eared Owl (Asio otus): Coniferous Forest near meadows and grasslands.
Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus): Grasslands and by fence posts in meadows and by bogs in coastal areas.
Tengmalms Owl (Aegolius funereus): Coniferous Forest (plantations).
Barn owl pellets are often hard and dark
Pellets from Short-eared Owl (here), Long-eared Owl
and Tawny Owl are grey and often quite loose in texture.
Little Owl with a earthworm.
Pellets from Little Owl are often gray and dark with
remains from mice, beetles and earthworms.