African Hawk Eagles, scientifically known as Aquila spilogaster, are powerful birds of prey that primarily feed on small to medium-sized mammals and birds. However, they have been known to occasionally consume reptiles and insects as well. The majority of their diet consists of birds, with estimates suggesting that 70% to 74% of what they eat comes from other avian species.
Hunting Techniques of African Hawk Eagles
These eagles have adapted to their surroundings and hunting techniques by developing sharp talons and an equally sharp, hooked beak, which they use to catch and kill their prey before tearing it up into bite-sized portions for themselves and their young. They have also adapted their eyesight to be able to see their prey from up to 1 km away in the air, which is particularly useful when hunting birds and small mammals in dense habitats.
When it comes to hunting, African Hawk Eagles often use a “flush and watch” technique, where they flush game birds and watch them settle before attacking. They have also been observed hunting in pairs, with one bird flushing prey while the other waits to strike. This cooperative hunting strategy allows them to take down larger prey items, such as young Vervet monkeys and Klipspringers, which can weigh up to 4 kg.
Impact on Other Bird Species
Image source: African hawk-eagle by Charles J. Sharp
In terms of their impact on other bird species, African Hawk Eagles have been known to hunt down barn owls and black-winged kites, among others. This has led to some interspecific predatory relationships, with larger eagles attacking African Hawk Eagles during flying bouts near their territories. However, adult African Hawk Eagles have little to fear from predators and may fulfill the niche of an apex predator in their ecosystem, albeit one that focuses on smaller prey than the larger eagles they coexist with.
Diet Composition of African Hawk Eagles
The diet of African Hawk Eagles is primarily composed of the following:
| Prey Type | Percentage of Diet |
|---|---|
| Birds | 70% – 74% |
| Small to Medium-sized Mammals | Remaining Percentage |
| Reptiles | Occasional |
| Insects | Occasional |
Interspecific Predatory Relationships
While African Hawk Eagles are known to hunt down other bird species, such as barn owls and black-winged kites, they also face predatory threats from larger eagles in their ecosystem. This has led to some interspecific predatory relationships, where larger eagles may attack African Hawk Eagles during flying bouts near their territories.
Apex Predator in their Ecosystem
Despite these interspecific predatory relationships, adult African Hawk Eagles have little to fear from predators and may fulfill the niche of an apex predator in their ecosystem. However, they tend to focus on smaller prey compared to the larger eagles they coexist with.
In summary, African Hawk Eagles are powerful birds of prey that primarily feed on other birds, small to medium-sized mammals, and occasional reptiles and insects. They have adapted their hunting techniques and eyesight to be highly effective predators, and their impact on other bird species has led to some interspecific predatory relationships. While they may face threats from larger eagles, adult African Hawk Eagles have little to fear from predators and may fulfill the niche of an apex predator in their ecosystem.
References:
– Global Raptor Information Network. 2021. Species account: African Hawk-eagle Aquila spilogaster. Downloaded from http://www.globalraptors.org on 3 Dec. 2021.
– African hawk-eagle – Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio
– African Hawk-Eagle: The Ultimate Guide – Operation Migration
– African hawk-eagle – Wikipedia
– r/birding – African Hawk Eagle (Aquila spilogaster) These incredible raptors mainly feed on other birds – an incredible 70 % to 74 % of their diets, then also eat small mammals, occasionally reptiles and insects.
