New knowledge on diet and monitoring of a roost of the long-eared owl, Asio otus (Linnaeus, 1758) on Mount Etna (Sicily)

A study during autumn and winter in Monte Serra area (Mount Etna) was performed on the pellets of the roost of long-eared owl (Asio otus). Besides, in order to better understand the feeding habits of this species on Mount Etna, the data from Monte Serra were integrated with those from Linguaglossa Pineta (breeding period, Siracusa et al., 1996). The study was performed through the analysis of 1,724 preys. The species most preyed was the Microtidae Microtus savii (de Selys-Longchamps, 1838). The average weight of the preys was 23.48 gr, while the average meal was 36.63 gr. Besides, the results of the yearly monitoring of the roost studied are given.