Eagle's Diet

The bald eagle is one of the most recognized raptors in the world.

Reptiles, small mammals, fish, small birds and sometimes carrion are all part of the eagle's diet. Different types of eagles share common characteristics, but they are typically defined by their choice of diet or physical attributes. Although the most recognized eagle is the bald eagle, there are many other eagles in this majestic and intriguing family of birds.

Eagle Basics

Eagles are one of the larger birds of prey, with an average length range of 2 to 3 feet and an average wingspan of 6 feet. The American harpy is the largest of these raptors, measuring more than 3 feet in length with an 8-foot wingspan. Eagles can be found all over the world except in New Zealand and Antarctica, but many species are listed as endangered or threatened.

True (Booted) Eagles

Golden eagles are among the true eagle group.

True eagles are also known as booted eagles because the feathers on their legs reach all the way down to their talons. The golden eagle is a booted eagle, and this species is thriving today due to repopulation efforts. True eagles survive on a diet of creatures such as ground squirrels, foxes, rabbits, pheasants and tortoises. Also among the true eagle group are the greater spotted eagle, African hawk eagle, black eagle and crowned hawk eagle.

Fish (or Sea) Eagles

Fish and sea eagles mainly eat fish.

As the name suggests, fish (or sea) eagles eat a diet that is primarily made up of fish, but they do consume small birds, rodents and carrion as well. Bald eagles belong to the fish eagle classification, and they are known to employ crafty hunting techniques when it's time to feed. They will let another bird do the hard work of catching a fish, taunt the bird until it drops the catch and steal the other bird's meal. The white-tailed sea eagle, African fish eagle and Sandford fish eagle also belong to the fish eagle group.

Harpy Eagles

Harpy eagles can be identified by plumage atop their heads. There are six types of harpy eagles (crowned eagles, solitary eagle, New Guinea eagle, crested eagle Philippine eagle and harpy eagle), and their habitat is found in the tropical lowland forests of southern Brazil, southeastern Mexico and northern Argentina. They prefer hunting in dense forests, and their diet mainly consists of monkeys, sloths and opossums. Occasionally harpy eagles feed on smaller birds and reptiles.

Snake Eagles

Snakes are the food of choice for the snake eagle group.

Snake eagles are classified by their choice of food: snakes. They will feast upon a variety of snakes and are typically found in the forests and savannas of Africa, Australia, Asia and Europe. Many snake eagles will only hunt in a small region. Because of the destruction of some snake eagles' natural habitats, some populations--including the Madagascar serpent snake, which is considered one of the most endangered raptors of the world--face a serious threat of extinction. Bataleur eagles are the most popular of the snake eagles, but the brown snake eagle and mountain serpent eagle are also among this group of raptors.

References

• American Bald Eagle Information: Eagles of the World
• Defenders of Wildlife: Bald Eagle
• Golden Eagle: Booted or True Eagle family
• The Peregrine Fund: Harpy Eagle

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish