Crowned eagles, also known as African crowned eagles or crowned hawk-eagles, are large birds of prey found in sub-Saharan Africa. While they are known to hunt a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles, there is no specific evidence that they regularly prey on foxes.

The Hunting Habits of Crowned Eagles

Crowned eagles are primarily known for their ability to hunt small ungulates, rock hyrax, and small primates such as monkeys. They are highly skilled hunters, using their powerful talons and sharp beaks to capture and kill their prey. Crowned eagles have been observed hunting on the wing, flying slightly over the canopy and causing a commotion among the monkeys they target.

These birds of prey are known for their near fearlessness towards humans and aggressive behavior towards other animals. They spend long periods of time perched, waiting for the right moment to strike. When they do attack, they do so with incredible speed and precision.

Prey Preferences of Crowned Eagles

Image source: crowned eagle

While crowned eagles are capable of hunting a wide range of animals, their primary prey preferences are:

1. Small ungulates (hoofed mammals): Such as duikers, bushbucks, and young antelopes.
2. Rock hyrax: A small, rabbit-like mammal found in rocky areas of Africa.
3. Small primates: Particularly monkeys, such as colobus monkeys and vervet monkeys.

Crowned eagles are the only bird species in which primates are the most commonly taken prey at the species level. This unique hunting niche is a testament to their impressive hunting abilities.

Potential Factors Affecting Prey Selection

Several factors may influence the prey selection of crowned eagles, including:

1. Availability of prey: The abundance and accessibility of different prey species in the eagle’s habitat can affect what they choose to hunt.
2. Competition with other predators: Crowned eagles may avoid hunting certain prey if they face competition from larger predators, such as lions or leopards.
3. Habitat preferences: The eagles’ hunting strategies and prey preferences may be influenced by the specific habitat they inhabit, such as dense forests or open savannas.
4. Seasonal changes: Prey availability and behavior can vary throughout the year, leading to changes in the eagles’ hunting patterns.

Threats to Crowned Eagles

Despite their impressive hunting skills, crowned eagles face several threats to their survival:

1. Habitat loss: Deforestation and land-use changes have led to a decline in the eagles’ natural habitats, reducing the availability of suitable hunting grounds and prey.
2. Persecution by humans: Crowned eagles are sometimes persecuted by humans due to their size, reputation, and potential for taking small livestock.
3. Competition with other predators: Increased competition for prey from other large predators, such as lions and leopards, can also impact the eagles’ hunting success.

These threats have contributed to the crowned eagle’s classification as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List, with a total population size estimated between 5,000 and 50,000 mature individuals.

Conclusion

In summary, while crowned eagles are known to hunt a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles, there is no specific evidence that they regularly prey on foxes. Their primary prey preferences include small ungulates, rock hyrax, and small primates, particularly monkeys. The eagles’ hunting strategies and prey selection are influenced by various factors, such as prey availability, competition with other predators, and habitat preferences. Protecting the crowned eagle’s natural habitats and addressing threats to their survival are crucial for the conservation of this impressive bird of prey.

References:

• Crowned Eagle – The Peregrine Fund
• Crowned Eagle – Animalia
• Crowned Eagle – Wikipedia
• Red Fox vs. American Bald Eagle