decapitated pigeons

thebeard · #1 (**permalink**) 10-09-2010, 08:37 PM

my supervisor at work asked me today what i thought might be killing pigeons in nottingham. she's seen a few with their heads cut clean off but doesnt know what could have done it.

we have peregrines in the city which was my first thought but would they just take the head? i dont think so!

Dogghound · #2 (**permalink**) 10-09-2010, 08:42 PM

Birds of prey often tear the head off and feed on the brain this has lots of nutrients in it. Next it will pluck the bird and feed on the breast. However mammals like foxes will also chew the head off so its hard to say. Is their saliva around the neck? is there any sign of plucking? or are feathers clumped with saliva? have a closer look at the quills.

Farplace · #3 (**permalink**) 10-09-2010, 08:45 PM

I dont think peregrine, sparrow hawks, or any other BOP would decapitate birds and not touch the rest of the body. My gut feeling - Human sicko.

John B (NTS) · #4 (**permalink**) 10-09-2010, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Farplace

I dont think peregrine, sparrow hawks, or any other BOP would decapitate birds and not touch the rest of the body. My gut feeling - Human sicko.

Oh but they do. For a Peregrine the head of a prey item contains the best bit, so they will often consume that first. A smaller male Peregrine may well be able to catch and dispatch a pigeon but find it too much of a weight to carry home. He may then force land somewhere a bit risky and consume the head and leave what's left. I've seen a tiercel Peregrine have an impromptu picnic in a field when the prey item was too heavy and his other half wasn't around for an air to air transfer.

Kayleigh · #5 (**permalink**) 10-09-2010, 09:09 PM

The cats in Spain killed a collared dove and removed the head and left the bird..
A BOP would have plucked the bird and eaten it so either a cat or bird would do this.

thebeard · #6 (**permalink**) 11-09-2010, 11:46 AM

I dont think it will be cats in the centre of nottingham not many residential buildings around the areas she said she found them. i think a pere is the most likely. even a human 'suicko' would find it hard to do in a busy area of the city without getting in trouble...

cheers folks!!!

rossy · #7 (**permalink**) 11-09-2010, 04:09 PM

yes all the hallmarks of a peregrine, it will have a plucking point up above , apart from that being obvious, keep a look out and hopefully you see the peregrine. rossy.

bee warrior · #8 (**permalink**) 11-09-2010, 04:18 PM

I would agree with the BOP theory and have witnessed this for myself.

thebeard · #9 (**permalink**) 12-09-2010, 08:50 AM

nice one folks thanks again!

Quote:

a look out and hopefully you see the peregrine. rossy.

my eyes will be on the skies! i know where they roost/nest and can see them most days when i go out on fag breaks at work, but its so much better seeing them flying high.

rossy · #10 (**permalink**) 12-09-2010, 04:41 PM

yes ive been priveliged this year ,as a pair took up home for the 1st time , raised 2 young , and put on some exhibitions , they were the talk of the town, and noisy with it, see them most days, and a joy to watch, machines on wings comes to mind, rossy,