Miscellaneous ecological notes on Brazilian birds of prey and owls

Abstract

Sixteen opportunistic field observations of eight species of Brazilian raptors (Falconiformes and Strigiformes) are reported here as a contribution to the knowledge of the natural history of these poorly studied birds in Brazil. The observations are related to the food habits (Buteo albicaudatus, Herpetotheres cachinnans, Milvago chimachima, Falco femoralis), reproduction (Asio stygius, Megascops choliba), mobbing behaviour elicited in other birds (Geranospiza caerulescens, H. cachinnans, F. femoralis, A. stygius, Athene cunicularia) and a rare case of leucism in owls (A. cunicularia).