2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

What the Bug?: Analysis of Arthropods in American Goshawk Nests

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-24-2026

Faculty Sponsor

Heidi Carlisle and Dr. Robert Miller

Abstract

The Intermountain Bird Observatory has studied Astur Atricapillus, or the American Goshawk, for the last 15 years, monitoring their population during the breeding season in the Minidoka Ranger District in southern Idaho. American Goshawks are an important part of their ecosystem, and their population trends are indicators of overall ecosystem health and function. They have shown an overall downwards trend in breeding success over the course of that study. This project aimed to identify nest ectoparasites that may be affecting nestling health and success. We placed bug traps targeting Haematosiphon inodorus, a blood-sucking parasite linked to decreased fledgeling success in raptors, in 12 Goshawk nests during the breeding season. After the nestlings had fledged out, the traps were removed and any invertebrates inside identified to family or genus. No ectoparasites were found in any of the nests. The family Dermestidae, or Carpet Beetles, was the most common invertebrate found. More detailed analysis of invertebrate type and distribution was not possible due to the small sample size.

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