A regular commensal foraging interaction between cranes and raptors on the Gulf Plains of north-western Queensland

Abstract

A regular foraging interaction between cranes and raptors in grasslands and savannahs of the Gulf Plains, northwestern Queensland, is described. Cranes (both Brolgas Antigone rubicunda and Sarus Cranes A. antigone) foraging for insect prey (largely locusts) in tall grass were frequently followed by raptors (five species observed), which fed on insects disturbed by the cranes.