Predation of a Mardo Antechinus flavipes leucogaster by a Southern Boobook, and Mobbing of Boobooks by Other Birds

Abstract

A Southern Boobook Ninox novaeseelandiae was observed taking an adult Mardo (Yellow-footed Antechinus) Antechinus flavipes leucogaster. The Mardo is the largest vertebrate prey recorded, to date, taken by a Boobook in south-western Australia, although future analyses of diet will likely reveal that vertebrates are commonly taken. Mobbing of the Boobook by medium-sized birds also suggests that they regard it as a predator.