Image of Nestor meridionalis septentrionalis Lorenz von Liburnau & L 1896

Description:

Seen alive at 7:40, then found an hour later, freshly predated. Suspected dog attack, as two off-leash dogs seen leaving the area 10 minutes earlier, and a indicative quantity of saliva found on the body. I suspect that the death was quick - injurys were primarily to the head. It appeared that the bird had recently fledged, but will describe the earlier observation seperately. The remains were taken for further photography (to add), and have been sent for post mortem at Wildbase (Massey University). Update; from Post Mortem report, accession no. 51626 DIAGNOSIS Severe, extensive musculoskeletal trauma COMMENTS This bird had multiple puncture wounds over the body as well as multiple bone fractures and the left eye had popped out and ruptured. Many of these injuries, especially to those around the head were associated with bruising indicating the bird was alive when these injuries occurred. Some of the injuries were not associated with bruising, a likely indication these injuries were inflicted soon after death. These injuries are most consistent with a dog attack, possibly by a dog on the smaller size; the bird has died from these injuries but it also appears the dog has further shaken the bird soon after death. Mustelids and cats may also attack the head area of birds, but the ruptured and proptosed eye and many of the other injuries are due to vigorous shaking of the bird, which is typical of a dog, not mustelids or cats.