Crested eagles are known to prey on a variety of animals, including frogs. These large birds of prey are apex predators in their forest habitats and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.

Crested Eagles and Their Diet

Crested eagles are opportunistic hunters and have a diverse diet that includes:

• Birds such as guans and trumpeters
• Medium-sized mammals like small monkeys and opossums
• Reptiles including snakes and iguanas
• Amphibians such as frogs

According to The Peregrine Fund, crested eagles are known to feed on tree frogs, and birds may make up a larger portion of their diet compared to harpy eagles. This is supported by a video from Discover Wild India, which shows a crested serpent eagle with a frog in its talons.

Hunting Behavior and Adaptations

Image source: Long-crested eagle By Charles J. Sharp

Crested eagles are well-suited for their role as predators. They have several physical adaptations that enable them to hunt effectively:

• Large, hooked beaks for ripping flesh from their prey
• Strong, muscular legs and powerful talons
• Keen eyesight and hearing to detect and track their prey

These birds are still-hunters, often perching for long periods while scanning the forest for potential prey. They may avoid direct competition with the harpy eagle by targeting generally smaller prey, but they are still capable of taking larger animals, as evidenced by incidents of crested eagles killing post-fledging young harpy eagles.

Threats and Conservation Status

Despite their status as apex predators, crested eagles face several threats to their survival. The IUCN currently classifies them as Near Threatened due to habitat destruction and other factors.

Crested eagles are believed to no longer occur in several former breeding areas where extensive forest has been cleared. They are also occasionally hunted by local people. Habitat destruction is a significant threat, as crested eagles require large, sprawling forests to sustain their populations.

Conclusion

In summary, crested eagles do eat frogs, along with a wide variety of other prey. These apex predators play a crucial role in the forest ecosystem by controlling the populations of reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals. However, their survival is threatened by habitat destruction and other human-related factors, making it essential to protect and conserve their remaining populations.

References:
– Crested Eagle | The Peregrine Fund (https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/eagles/crested-eagle)
– Crested eagle – Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crested_eagle)
– Crested Serpent Eagle With Prey | Eagle Eating Frog | Eagle With Kill | Assam Wildlife (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VEiOZjVArs)