The prey of Hooded Crow [Corvus cornix L.] in wetland: study of damaged egg shells of birds

The species composition of the Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix) prey and its preferences for selected bird species are described on the basis of the egg shells found in the flooded area in the National Park “Ujście Warty” in Western Poland. In the years 2000–2003, during breeding seasons, 1104 shells of 16 bird species were found. The most common species was the Coot Fulica atra (69% of all the shells). The remaining species mainly were: the Mallard Anas platyrhynchos (13%), the Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus (7%), the Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis (4%) and the Garganey Anas querquedula (4%). The number of shells found and the median date when shells were found differed between the years of study. The differences are probably related to the effect of variation in the number and differences in breeding phenology of potential crow’s prey between seasons, which are connected with water conditions occurring in the study area.