Variability of the entomatic diet of the Hooded Crow Corvus corone cornix in the western Po Valley
BARBERO E., PALESTRINI C. and ROLANDO A.Abstract:
A study was performed on the entomatic food supply of the Hooded Crow Corvus corone cornix in two different areas of the Po Valley. Significant differences were observed in geographical, seasonal and monthly terms. The analysis of the stomach contents in terms of the abundance of a given taxon/stomach did not correspond in generai with the classical analysis of the frequencies with which the various taxa were found. The data obtained confirm the broad-based behaviour of the species and reveal that the Crow takes advantage of the local availability on an and hoe basis. Within the framework of this behavioural model, however, the species is able to select certain crop types if they are actractive (the rice-fields in spring-surnrner), and appears to be ready to takes advantage of the concentration of prey in given sites (Formicidae in nests, Diptera pupae in dung) and their seasonal behaviour (Staphylinidae wintering under stones).