The term eagle refers to large birds of prey that belong to the Accipitridae family. Sometimes called raptors, eagles are found all over the world except Antarctica. Raptors catch and eat prey using their talons. There are more than 60 species of eagle, most of which inhabit Africa and Eurasia. There are only two eagle species that live in North America: the bald eagle and the golden eagle. So, if eagles are birds of prey, what exactly is their prey? Keep reading to learn more about what eagles eat.
What Types of Foods Do Eagles Eat?
The golden eagle is one of only two eagle species in the U.S.
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Most eagles, including bald eagles and golden eagles, feed on live food. Fish is the primary staple in the diet of bald eagles, while golden eagles primarily hunt mammals such as rabbits, hares, and ground squirrels. Both species will also consume waterfowl, reptiles, and other animals when available. However, eagles also tend to be opportunistic eaters. If rabbits are abundant in an eagle’s habitat, its diet will mainly consist of rabbits. For example, the long-crested eagle’s diet consists almost entirely of rodents because rats, mice, and shrews are readily available across the African continent.
However, that does not mean eagles are unwilling to travel to find an abundant food source when other food is scarce. For instance, bald eagles in Alaska have been documented traveling over 1,000 miles to reach the Chilkat River, where they feed on spawning salmon and hooligan.
Although there is some variety in their diets depending on species and location, some common foods eagles eat include:
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Waterfowl, such as ducks and geese
- Smaller birds
- Small mammals, such as rabbits
- Reptiles, including turtles, lizards, and snakes
- Amphibians
- Rodents, such as squirrels and mice
- Invertebrates, including insects and crabs
- Carrion
All raptors are carnivores, and the eagle diet encompasses a wide variety of prey. If food is in short supply, eagles may even eat carrion. While different species prefer one type of animal over others, most eagles will eat whatever they can catch and carry, even if it’s already dead when they find it.
How Do Eagles Hunt?
Bald eagles are expert fish hunters.
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When eagles hunt, they sometimes fly over an area in search of food. However, it is more common for these birds to find a high vantage point where they can perch and scan the environment. Eagles have exceptionally good eyesight, which allows them to see 4-5 times further than humans. They also have accurate depth perception, which helps them catch moving prey. When they spot their target, eagles swoop down and strike, grasping the prey in their talons as they continue flying. They usually grab fish from the water’s surface with their talons, but if the water is shallow, they may catch fish with their beaks.
Eagles’ talons are designed to catch and carry prey. Most birds of prey, including eagles, have three toes that point forward and one that points backward. This is called an anisodactyl arrangement, which provides them with a secure grip on both branches and prey. Their feet can apply powerful pressure, which crushes their prey. Their talons may also kill their prey by puncturing soft tissues and organs.
