Diet and multi-taxa neo-taphonomy of Glaucidium nana (Aves, Strigiformes) from southeastern Patagonia and comparisons with G . brasilianum from Chaco forest and other owls

Abstract

The diet and neo-taphonomy of Glaucidium nana (Aves, Strigiformes), evaluated from pellets and leftoverprey recovered in nest-boxes from a National Park of southeastern Patagonia are studied. Comparativeevaluations are conducted with microvertebrate samples obtained from other raptors, particularly those ofG. brasilianum from the Chaco forest in Argentina. The diet of G. nana reported here agrees with thegeneralist trophic behaviour of this species already documented, which feeds on invertebrate (insects andarachnids) and vertebrate prey (amphibian, reptiles, birds and mammals), mainly caviomorph rodentsheavier than itself. The taphonomic attributes allow us to place the two species of Glaucidium in themoderate modification category. They could deposit their diet remains in several open-air sites, mainly inwooded and rocky areas, where the cavity nests are located. Later, their bone accumulation –composed ofmicrovertebrates with evidence of moderate bone modifications and/or with articulated skulls and limbbones without digestive corrosion- might integrate into the lithosphere. Understanding the trophic interactionsbetween predators and prey, and their taphonomic signatures, as well as identifying their nestingareas, is crucial for archaeology/palaeontology analysis and for developing effective conservation andmanagement strategies within protected areas.