Owl Pellet - Starling Skeleton

The Starling, or Sturnis vulgaris, is a common menu item in the barn owl's diet. Owl pellets found in the wild are masses of bones, teeth, hair, feathers, scales and insect skeletons. They are produced and regurgitated, not only by owls, but also by hawks, eagles and other raptors which swallow their prey whole or in large pieces.

Discoveries:

• The study of the owl pellet will reveal the particular diet of the barn owl.
• The Starling skeleton reveals special structural adaptations which enable flight. Their design has been molded by nature to provide support with a minimum amount of weight.

Included Materials:

• Owl Pellet
• Magnifying Glass
• Ziploc bag to hold bones
• Bone Sorting Chart
• Starling Skeleton Chart
• Interesting facts
• Instructions for dissection and assembling skeleton

Other Materials Needed (Not Included):

• Toothpicks or Forceps
• Dark-colored Tagboard
• White Glue

Ages 8 and up.