Avian Scavenging Dynamics

A first-authored publication is in progress.

Avian scavengers perform a critical ecosystem service by breaking down dead and decomposing organic matter and recycling the nutrients back into the food web. However, the quantity of decaying biomass different avian scavengers seek out has not been well researched in Washington State. This study asks the question: How does the amount of biomass remaining on an ungulate (hooved animal) carcass influence which avian scavengers visit the carcass?

My research on avian scavenging succession in eastern Washington seeks to understand the benefits and weaknesses of social bird species vs. large and intimidating bird species on roadkill deer carcass sites. The scavenging guild includes 360,000 camera trap images of turkey vultures, ravens, magpies, golden eagles, and bald eagles across 51 roadkill carcass sites.