Understanding the taphonomic signature of Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata)

Abstract

Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata) is a large bird of prey that breeds in warm regions of the Palearctic. In Europe, it is mainly found in the Mediterranean region, in open or partially-open landscapes in mountainous areas. They normally feed on mammals, up to the size of a hare, medium-sized birds and large reptiles.The remains of Bonelli's eagles have been found at Pleistocene archaeological sites, raising the possibility that they were active bone accumulating agents in caves and shelters, a practice evidenced by contemporary studies that show their nests are usually located on rocky cliffs.Taphonomic studies on prey remains consumed by these raptors do not exist and their role in bone accumulations at archaeological sites is not understood. We analyse non-ingested bone remains and pellets recovered at well-known Bonelli's eagle nests situated in the south of Spain and Portugal with the aim of characterising their accumulations. Specifically, we detail taxonomic and anatomical representation, bone breakage, beak marks and digestion damage. Results show that European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) and pigeons (Columba spp.) are the dominant prey. The taphonomic pattern varies depending on the type of prey and the origin of skeletal materials (non-ingested versus pellets). Comparisons with other agents of bone accumulation (birds of prey and terrestrial carnivores) suggest that the taphonomic signature of Bonelli's eagle differs from most other predators.