20: ARMADILLOS TESTED AS POTENTIAL EGG PREDATORS OF WILD TURKEYS IN THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA
ABSTRACT To explore indirectly the allegations that armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) are important predators on wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) nests, we placed 42 dummy nests, each containing three to six chicken eggs, in areas of recent armadillo activity in the Mississippi Delta. During 84 nes...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
1973-01-01
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| Series: | Wildlife Society Bulletin |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2328-5540.1973.tb00052.x |
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| Summary: | ABSTRACT To explore indirectly the allegations that armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) are important predators on wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) nests, we placed 42 dummy nests, each containing three to six chicken eggs, in areas of recent armadillo activity in the Mississippi Delta. During 84 nest nights in May, 1969, armadillos walked by or rooted through 21 nests without damaging eggs. In three nests they broke the eggs, probably accidentally while rooting for insects. There was no evidence that they ate the contents of any of the eggs. Even allowing for some behavioral differences at real turkey nests, we doubt that armadillos are serious predators on wild turkey nests under conditions prevailing in this immediate area. |
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| ISSN: | 2328-5540 |