Al Jaramillo wrote:

> Predators are by definition less likely to be prey items than
> other animals, so they have low rates of predation.

I suspect that predators are themselves predated just as easily. Since their
numbers are relatively fewer the numbers involved is few, but the rate may not
be that much lower than typical prey species.

Eagle Owls (Hubro hubro ?) will kill ALL other owls in their territory,
regardless of size and therefore potential competition.

Merlins in Scotland are not uncommonly predated by Peregrines, same applies
to Kestels, Buzzard get killed by Golden Eagles.

> Could this be why so many hawks, owls, and large cats
> come in several colour types. Of course the predators may also gain a
> benefit by being unique in their appearance since this may make it more
> difficult for the prey animals to identify them as predators.

In my experience birds identify predators by shape and posture. Ever seen a
pigeon swoop over a flock of shorebirds - the effect is dramatic. Same goes
for crows. I suspect the uniqueness in shape of predators is exactly the cue
that prey species identify them by.

Is colour in predators related to stealth when hunting or camouflage when not
hunting ?

Stuart MacKay