Notes on Feeding Habits of the Pied Currawong Strepera graculina at Wollongong, New South Wales

Abstract

Data on the feeding habits of the Pied Currawong Strepera graculina were acquired from incidental observations between 1984 and 1996 and 175 hours of continuous watches at five nests. Of 483 insects captured, 245 (51%) were taken on the ground, 212 (44%) were taken from trees or shrubs and 26 (5%) were caught in the air. Most insects (60%) were captured by gleaning. Diet in winter consisted almost entirely of fruit. Pied Currawongs rarely used their feet to handle food, and their attacks on live avian prey were based on surprise mostly from the rear. Surplus food was either abandoned or retrieved within 24 hours of capture.