Effects of little owl predation on northern shrike postfledging success

The assumption that fledging success would result in reproductive success is investigated. A study of the predation of northern shrikes by little owls was carried out by banding the shrikes and following their growth in relation to the presence of little owls within the territory. Remains of fledgling shrikes were noted in the owls' nests. Overall fledging success of the shrikes was 79%, but survival rate was a mere 27%, suggesting that reproductive success is controlled by other factors such as predation.