Journal article
An observation of nest robbing and bird predation by wild Brush-tailed Phascogales in central Victoria
Australian Zoologist, Vol.40(2), pp.237-240
01/01/2019
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Abstract
The diet of the Brush-tailed Phascogale 'Phascogale tapoatafa' has been well studied with examination of scats (Scarff 'et al.' 1998), stomach contents (Scarff 'et al.' 1998, Richter and Richter 1863) and behavioural observations (Scarff 'et al.' 1998; Traill and Coates 1993). Phascogales feed extensively on invertebrates stripped from the bark of eucalypts with beetles, spiders, moths and ants among the main food consumed (Scarff et al. 1998, Traill and Coates 1993, Wakerfield 1961). Phascogales are also known to feed upon nectar and may have a role in pollination (Goldingay 2000; Scarff et al. 1998). Fungi have also been found in the gut of Brush-tailed Phascogales (Richter and Richter 1863). Vertebrates are occasionally taken (Scarff 'et al.' 1998) but the Phascogale reputation as a fierce chicken killer may be exaggerated (Wakerfield 1961). Captive Phascogales have been observed killing and consuming live mice (Dixon and Huxley 1989) and dead sparrows (Fleay 1929). In this note, we detail an account of a wild Brush-tailed Phascogale feeding on eggs taken from a bird nest and the predation of a Grey Shrike-thrush 'Colluricincla harmonica'.
Details
- Title
- An observation of nest robbing and bird predation by wild Brush-tailed Phascogales in central Victoria
- Creators
- William Terry - Southern Cross UniversityAlbert Golden - Macedon Ranges Conservation Society
- Publication Details
- Australian Zoologist, Vol.40(2), pp.237-240
- Publisher
- Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales
- Identifiers
- 991012926989802368
- Copyright
- © Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, 2019
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; School of Environment, Science and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article