Tawny eagles (Aquila rapax) are large birds of prey found in Africa and parts of Asia. While they are known to feed on a variety of prey, including fish, there is no clear evidence that they dive for fish in the same way as other bird species, such as the African fish eagle. Instead, tawny eagles are more likely to hunt for fish by swooping down from a perch or grabbing fish from the surface of the water while wading or swimming.

Hunting Behavior of Tawny Eagles

Tawny eagles are opportunistic hunters, feeding on a wide range of prey, including:

• Mammals (e.g., hares, rabbits, small antelopes)
• Birds (e.g., doves, pigeons, small waterfowl)
• Reptiles (e.g., snakes, lizards)
• Amphibians (e.g., frogs)
• Insects
• Fish

While they are known to feed on fish, tawny eagles do not typically dive for their prey. Instead, they use their acute eyesight and hearing to locate fish from a perch or while wading or swimming in shallow water. They then swoop down and grab the fish from the surface of the water.

Comparison to African Fish Eagles

Image source: Tawny Eagle by Bernard DUPONT

In contrast to tawny eagles, the African fish eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) is known for its distinctive hunting behavior, where it dives into the water to catch fish. The African fish eagle is a specialized fish-eater, with adaptations such as sharp talons and a hooked beak that allow it to effectively catch and hold onto slippery fish.

Tawny eagles, on the other hand, are more generalist predators and do not have the same specialized adaptations for diving and catching fish. While they may occasionally dive for fish, this is not their primary hunting strategy, and they are more likely to use other methods, such as swooping down from a perch or wading in shallow water.

Habitat and Feeding Preferences

Tawny eagles prefer open, dry habitats, such as deserts, steppes, grasslands, savannas, and mountainous regions. They are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day, and they use their excellent eyesight and hearing to locate prey.

In addition to hunting for their own prey, tawny eagles are also known to be opportunistic scavengers, stealing food from other raptors or feeding on carrion. They have a varied diet that includes a range of small to medium-sized animals, as well as fish.

Conservation Status and Threats

Tawny eagles are currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The main threats to their populations include:

• Habitat loss
• Persecution
• Poisoning

Despite these threats, tawny eagles are still relatively common in many parts of their range and continue to play an important role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems in which they live.

Conclusion

In summary, while tawny eagles are known to feed on fish, they do not typically dive for their prey in the same way as the African fish eagle. Instead, they use their acute senses to locate fish from a perch or while wading in shallow water, and then swoop down to grab the fish from the surface. Tawny eagles are opportunistic hunters, with a varied diet that includes a range of small to medium-sized animals, as well as fish and carrion.

References:
– Global Raptor Information Network. 2021. Species account: Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax. Downloaded from http://www.globalraptors.org on 3 Dec. 2021
– Kemp, A. C. and G. M. Kirwan (2020). Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax). In: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., Sargatal, J., Christie, D.A. & de Juana, E. (eds.). Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.
– https://carnivora.net/african-fish-eagle-v-tawny-eagle-t5072.html
– https://www.wildlifeofkenya.com/categories/birds-of-prey/eagle-tawny/