Help with pellet ID

I've not heard of tawny owls on Lewis, although they(and barn owls) do occur on the north west coast of the mainland.

I can't identify it but all bird of prey and some others too produce pellets so it could from a number of birds.

I don't know a good guide to pellets but found these photos omline - www.google.co.uk/search?cr=countryUK%7CcountryGB&sa=X&tbs=ctr:countryUK%7CcountryGB&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=birds+of+prey+pellets&ved=2ahUKEwiNtvL35MPtAhXPgVwKHQixCVkQjJkEegQIAxAB&biw=1920&bih=910

As you say, difficult to identify without dissection. It is hard to guess the size but the bits of bones don't look that big.

Dave

As Dave said lots of species of birds produce pellets, and shape and texture doesn’t have to be typical of the bird itself since it depends very much on what the bird has been eating. But going on what I can see of the pellet concerned the short eared owl looks possible as does the raven whose pellet can differ greatly in size and texture.

The barn owl pellet for instance can be all kinds of textures and size, as does the little owl, I know this since I’ve been studying both these birds just recently, e.g. take a look at the barn owl pellets in the link provided, none of which look anything like the ones I find in barn owl roosts.

However, owls and their pellets can be of great interest at least I’ve found it so, and I wish you all the best with your endeavours Tangaroa.


Alan


www.acornnaturalists.com/raven-pellet.html


www.google.com/search?q=short-eared+owl+pellet&sxsrf=ALeKk022d2bnRxmdj1TAQxqzILSsJQEjCg:1607672995365&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi62bbOuMXtAhWITcAKHWooCIwQ7AkoAXoECAgQCw&biw=1358&bih=610#imgrc=bAlqS9XDy08ZzM