Identifying Bird Scavenging in Fleshed and Dry Remains

• Published in: Journal - Canadian Society of Forensic Science Vol. 31; no. 3; pp. 177 - 188
• Main Authors: Komar, D., Beattie, O.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 01.01.1998
• ISSN: 0008-5030; 2332-1660
• DOI: 10.1080/00085030.1998.10757117

Differentiating postmortem artifacts produced by natural taphonomic processes from perimortem trauma is crucial in accurate crime scene interpretation, particularly in cases involving the advanced decomposition of remains. Carrion experiments reveal that repeated, extensive scavenging by common birds such as magpies and crows can alter or obliterate evidence of perimortem trauma as well as create postmortem artifacts similar in appearance to penetrating trauma. The location, extent and pattern of damage, as well as characteristic wound morphology in soft tissue and bone, aid in the accurate identification of bird scavenging. Differentiating bird modification to bone from that of rodent and carnivore is illustrated, and the role of birds as agents of transport is compared with that of other scavengers. A case study is presented in which bird, canid and rodent created artifacts on bone are evident.