Dissection of owl pellets for mammal bones

CC Owl pellet photo by Kristine Paulus

On reflection Ithis method doesn't tell you exactly where a mammal has been for the 'where' on your label - rather, the place where an owl coughed up its remains. But as an activity I rather enjoy it... it's a bit like unwrapping a present and you don't know what you're going to get (ok, that's probably a bit weird).

This download from the RSPB website gives you some tips about where to look for pellets, and how to dissect them. It's also got a flow chart to help you identify the bones.

Alternatively we have copies of this FSC 'Guide to British Owls and Owl Pellets 'which you can borrow.

We've also copies of D W Yalden's 'The Analysis of Owl Pellets' (there's a copy in the library too) which has a more detailed key.

Mammal jaws, skulls and teeth are most easily identified. You might find other bones but they're usually harder to pin down to species. Pellets might also contain parts of birds, feathers, beetle elytra, caterpillar jaws, fish and frog bones!

If you want to come in and use one of our dissecting microscopes, you are most welcome.

(Return to the main list of mammal methods)