What is this?

[Motherhen1165]

What is this just found this outside my coop? What is it and what could have done this?
Help

 

[tripletfeb]

Where are you from? Narrowing down location can help in identification

 

[Motherhen1165]

Where are you from? Narrowing down location can help in identification

Southern GA, on the Marsh

 

[blackandtan]

Well it appears to be a diving duck, that’s about all I can offer. Do you have a picture of the back?

 

[BarredRockMom]

I just googled black birds native to GA marshes & came up with "Cormorant." Kinda looks like that to me. As for the headless part, looks like a racoon could've gotten it.
They're notorious for that. There is a protein in the brain tissue that they like/need, so that's what they go for.

I strongly suggest putting out some traps. We use marshmallows in ours. We catch and release...into my the light. In my opinion you do NOT want those critters near your flock. And if that's what it was, it's going to be back.
Your coop secure?

 

[chrissynemetz]

I honestly couldn't guess from what's left of it.
But I would definitely double check the security of your coop.

 

[blackandtan]

@BarredRockMom I agree with cormorant, the tail fits. And raccoons are awful. Traps!

 

[aart]

How big is it?
Always good to set something standard down for scale when taking ID pics like this,
like a quarter, a dollar bill, a 12oz soda can.

Also here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!