Booted eagles are known to include other birds as a significant part of their diet, particularly in Southern Africa. These medium-sized birds of prey are adept hunters, using their sharp talons and powerful wings to capture a variety of prey, including small to medium-sized birds.

Booted Eagle’s Diet Composition

According to various sources, the booted eagle’s diet consists primarily of:

• Small and medium-sized birds
• Small mammals, such as mice
• Reptiles, including lizards
• Large insects

In Southern Africa, birds make up a substantial portion of the booted eagle’s diet, often being the most common prey item.

Hunting Behavior of Booted Eagles

Image source: Booted eagle By Dr. Raju Kasambe

Booted eagles are skilled hunters, using their keen eyesight and agility to spot and capture their prey. They typically hunt on the wing, quickly stooping with their wings folded and their feet extended to catch their target. This hunting technique allows them to swiftly and efficiently capture birds and other small animals.

Variation in Prey Composition

The proportion of birds in the booted eagle’s diet may vary depending on the availability of other prey items in the local environment. For example, in Namibia, where the habitat is locally overgrazed, data suggests that the importance of birds in their diet decreases, and mammals become more prominent.

Nesting and Breeding Habits

Booted eagles are typically seen in pairs or as solitary individuals, and they nest fairly close to each other without defending any territory. The nest is built in a tree, thicket, or isolated tree, and is large, with a diameter of around 70 cm and a thickness of 30 cm. It is constructed with sticks and twigs and lined with green leaves, which are renewed during the nesting period.

The female booted eagle usually lays two eggs, with an incubation period of about 37 to 40 days. The chicks grow rapidly, with their first feathers appearing at 20 days and their complete plumage at 40 days of age. They leave the nest at around 50 to 55 days of age and are fed by both parents near the nest for an additional 40 days.

Conclusion

In summary, booted eagles do indeed eat other birds as a significant part of their diet, particularly in Southern Africa. These medium-sized birds of prey are skilled hunters, using their agility and hunting techniques to capture a variety of prey, including small to medium-sized birds. The proportion of birds in their diet may vary depending on the availability of other prey items in the local environment.

References:

• Booted eagle – Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booted_eagle
• Booted Eagle – Oiseaux-Birds. Retrieved from https://www.oiseaux-birds.com/card-booted-eagle.html
• African hawk-eagle – Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_hawk-eagle