Abstract - Survey of Raptorial Avian Predators in Wind Cave National Park

Hetlet, Lynn Allan. 1988. A Survey of Raptorial Avian Predators in Wind Cave National Park. 15 p.

Abstract

A survey of nesting and feeding raptorial birds in or near Wind Cave National Park was conducted between May 3 and August 4, 1988. Nests of the following species were found: red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), and burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia). In addition, the following species were seen hunting within the study area: northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus), Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperi), northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), long-eared owl (Asio otus), and short-eared owl (Asio flammeus). Raptors were found to utilize all available ecosystems within the study area, both for hunting and nesting.