The booted eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus) is a medium-sized, mostly migratory bird of prey with a wide distribution in the Palearctic and southern Asia, wintering in the tropics of Africa and Asia. Its diet is diverse, primarily consisting of various bird species, but also including mammals and reptiles.
The Booted Eagle’s Prey
The booted eagle’s diet is composed of a variety of prey, with birds being the most common. In different regions, the specific prey items can vary:
- In Southern Africa, birds are the most common prey.
- In Spain, mammals, birds, and reptiles are all important prey items.
- In Central Spain, the most common prey are young rabbits, fledglings, and juvenile birds, as well as adult or subadult lizards.
Across its range, the booted eagle typically preys on animals weighing between 27 and 243 grams, with over 90% of its prey falling within this size range.
Hunting Techniques
Image source: Booted eagle By Dr. Raju Kasambe
The booted eagle is known for its hunting prowess, typically hunting on the wing. It employs a quick, stooping technique, folding its wings and extending its feet to capture its prey. This agile hunting style allows the booted eagle to target a diverse range of prey, from small mammals to birds and reptiles.
Prey Composition in Different Regions
The specific prey composition of the booted eagle’s diet can vary depending on the region:
Southeastern Spain
In Southeastern Spain, the most common prey items are:
– Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
– Rats (Rattus spp.)
– Mice (Mus spp.)
– Wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus)
South-western South Africa
In South-western South Africa, the booted eagle has been observed feeding on:
– Birds
– Lizards
– Rodents
Central Spain
In Central Spain, the booted eagle’s diet is dominated by:
– Young rabbits
– Fledglings and juvenile birds
– Adult or subadult lizards
Absence of Small Prey
Interestingly, the booted eagle’s diet seems to lack small prey items such as insects, amphibians, or small reptiles. This absence could be due to methodological biases in the studies, but it has also been observed in the diets of other similar-sized raptors in the same areas.
Conclusion
The booted eagle is a versatile predator with a diverse diet that primarily consists of various bird species, but also includes mammals and reptiles. Its hunting technique of quick, stooping attacks allows it to capture prey ranging from small mammals to larger birds and reptiles. The specific prey composition can vary depending on the region, but the booted eagle typically targets animals within a specific weight range, with over 90% of its prey weighing between 27 and 243 grams.
