See The Speed of this Eagle Swooping Down To Grab a Warthog

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Typically, when we hear the word “eagle,” our minds go to the famous bald eagle, which is America’s national bird. However, there are more than 60 species of eagles that can be found living worldwide. Some of these eagles are the harpy eagle, white-tailed eagle, Haast’s eagle, sea eagle, black eagle, Philippine eagle, and golden eagle, to list a few. Let’s not miss the incredible speed of this eagle hunting his prey.

Golden Eagle Sighting In Africa

The short YouTube video clip at the top of this blog post takes us to Africa, where a gorgeous golden eagle was sighted. The Latest Sightings YouTube page is a dedicated channel that keeps up with the latest sightings of wildlife in Africa. Their most recent videos showcase lion cubs, leopards, and the top sightings in 2023. 

Eagle Hunting Prey At Tremendous Speeds

As the video above starts out, we see a tour guide or safari tour has stopped to take footage of a small warthog family that is running quickly across this dirt road in Africa. At the speed they are going, it lets us know they are running from something. A vicious predator is on their heels. 

Typically, when we think of Africa and predators, our minds go to lions, cheetahs, leopards, or hyenas. However, never underestimate the power that eagles can have. This eagle looks to be a golden eagle in the video above. He swoops down at tremendous speeds and grabs ahold of one of the warthogs. 

According to the American Eagle Foundation, when golden eagles are in the air gliding, they travel about 32 miles per hour. When their eyes are set on their prey they can get up to 120 miles per hour. However, what’s really impressive is that “When diving (or stooping) for prey, they reach speeds of 150 – 200 mph.” 

No wonder these warthogs were running for their life. However, a warthog can only get up to about 30 miles per hour. So, they didn’t stand a chance. 

What Do Golden Eagles Eat?

When we think of birds eating, our minds might go to a little birdseed or perhaps a worm. But we can guarantee you that is not what all birds eat. This golden eagle above was not just killing this warthog for sport. He was killing it for food to eat.

Most birds you will find are omnivore eaters that will prey on meat and eat plant matter. But, not the golden eagle. Golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) are carnivorous eaters that will prey on animals such as rabbits, hares, squirrels, prairie dogs, fish, cranes, swans, badgers, and even dead animals.

And as we can see from the video posted at the top, this golden eagle was hungry enough to eat a warthog!