Pygmy Shrew (i.d.)

Words · #1 (**permalink**) 26-04-2009, 11:33 PM

Ok, the photo is a kestrel, but I'm interested in the i.d. of what it's holding in its talons. My best guess is a pygmy shrew but I didn't know they existed until I googled, if there are any shrew experts confirmation would be great. The photo was taken at the edge of Brighton Racecourse. Thanks!

vole-woman · #2 (**permalink**) 27-04-2009, 07:07 AM

Fantastic shot! (No idea about the shrew, though.)

Hedge Witch · #3 (**permalink**) 27-04-2009, 07:11 AM

Yes Words, it's a great shot!

Dogghound · #4 (**permalink**) 27-04-2009, 07:24 AM

Well its a shrew, but there is no way you can see the characteristics to seperate common or pygmy.

Words · #5 (**permalink**) 27-04-2009, 05:21 PM

Thanks for trying. It's a first for me either way.

Dogghound · #6 (**permalink**) 27-04-2009, 08:37 PM

Is probrably a first for the kestrel too, im sure after its eaten one it will give shrews a miss in the future, they are rather distasteful.

Words · #7 (**permalink**) 27-04-2009, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogghound

Is probrably a first for the kestrel too, im sure after its eaten one it will give shrews a miss in the future, they are rather distasteful.

I'm kind of afraid to ask how you know that

The Woodman · #8 (**permalink**) 28-04-2009, 06:54 AM

Owls seem to find them tasteful by the frequency of Shrew skulls found in pellets.

Dogghound · #9 (**permalink**) 28-04-2009, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Words

I'm kind of afraid to ask how you know that

Shrew casserole time's are hard with the credit crunch...

As woodman points out some animals dont seem to mind the taste, however most are not keen. Most birds of prey, foxes, mustelids dont feed on them hence you often find lots of dead "disguarded" shrews lying around. Barn Owls seem to actually like to feed on shrews. The shrew has two glands on each side of the body which make it distasteful.