Trophic Ecology and Behavioral Pattern of the Vizcachera Owl, Athene cunicularia Molina, 1782 (Strigiformes: Strigidae) in an Urban Environment in Southern Santa Fe province, Argentina

This study investigates the trophic ecology and behavioral patterns of Athene cunicularia in Funes, Santa Fe, Argentina, during 2023-2024. Observations were made of two individuals throughout the four seasons of the year, recording a total of 16 hours of behavior. The results revealed that the owl showed a varied diet composed of 946 prey items identified in 134 pellets, with arthropods as the main source (91.89%). The pellets presented an average size of 31.98 mm and a weight of 1.31 g. Seven behavioral patterns were identified, with rest being the most frequent, especially in autumn and winter. Variations in diet and behavior appear to reflect adaptations to environmental conditions and resource availability, suggesting that the species is opportunistic and generalist. These findings contribute to the understanding of the ecology of A. cunicularia in urban environments, highlighting its role in the local ecological balance.