PREY CAPTURE BY PEREGRINE FALCONS WINTERING ON SOUTHERN VANCOUVER-ISLAND, BRITISH-COLUMBIA

Peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) wintering on southern Vancouver I sland, British Columbia, were observed to kill 52 prey, of which 46 we re ducks of five species. When attacked, 24 ducks were sitting on land , 22 were in flight. The most common hunting method was a low surprise attack initiated from a high tree perch. Prey were seized in the feet and carried down or captured on the ground. Peregrines made up to thr ee kills each day. Klepto-parasitism by other raptors, particularly ea gles, resulted in the loss of 17 ducks before the peregrines could tak e a full meal. Remains of all other large prey were utilized by scaven gers after the falcon had finished feeding.