Abstract

We estimated the annual mammalian diet of Rufous-legged Owls (Strix rufipes) in three temperate rainforest sites in southern Chile (Anticura, Rupanco and San Martín), and mammal abundance at San Martin and Anticura. Diets were estimated by analysis of 894 pellets collected from 1988-95. In all sites, arboreal (arboreal mouse, Irenomys tarsalis and colocolo opossum, Dromiciops australis) and scansorial (long-tailed mouse, Oryzomys longicaudatus) mammals occurred significantly more frequently than those mammals with cursorial habits, such as the olivaceous field mouse (Akodon olivaceus) and long-haired field mouse (A. longipilis). Although the body size and abundance of the olivaceous field mouse were similar to those of the long-tailed mouse, the former species was seldom taken by Rufous-legged Owls, likely because it was associated with vegetational features that offer overhead protection.