SUET CARVING TO MAXIMIZE FORAGING EFFICIENCY BY COMMON RAVENS.

Most birds consume hard animal fat (suet) through repetitive pecking. Suet hardens considerably as the temperature declines below freezing, The caloric value of suet during the winter months is such that it is worthwhile for many birds to continue simple pecking as temperatures decline, but with diminishing returns. Some Common Ravens (Corvus corax) exhibit a more complex behavior while caching, or feeding young. I report an apparent territorial pair that repeatedly divided suet by carving deep grooves into it. Substantially larger portions of suet and other foods were isolated through this advantageous behavior and carried off, than would be possible through simple pecking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]