Eastern imperial eagles are opportunistic predators that feed on a wide variety of prey, including small to medium-sized mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and insects. While they do not specifically target cats as prey, small or kitten domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) can sometimes be prey for eastern imperial eagles.
Do Eastern Imperial Eagles Prey on Cats?
The eastern imperial eagle’s prey selection overlaps with that of other eagle species, such as the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). However, there is a natural partitioning between the two species in terms of habitat preferences. The golden eagle tends to prefer rocky and uneven terrain, while the eastern imperial eagle prefers more open habitats such as grasslands, meadows, and wetlands.
Eastern imperial eagles are known to attack and prey upon a variety of mammals, including foxes, weasels, and mustelids. In some cases, they have been observed taking adult corsac foxes (Vulpes corsac) and European polecats (Mustela putorius). However, it is unlikely that they would be able to take the much larger adult males of some ground bird species, such as great bustards (Otis tarda).
In terms of hunting techniques, eastern imperial eagles are known to hunt by day using various techniques, including still hunting from a moderately low perch and making short stoop or dives to the ground once prey is spotted. They may also make longer dives onto prey from a low soaring flight, using any vegetation available to obscure their approach.
Prey Size and Hunting Behavior of Eastern Imperial Eagles
Image source: eastern imperial eagle By Koshy Koshy
A study of the diet of eastern imperial eagles in Kazakhstan found that mammals as small as the 7 g (0.25 oz) Eurasian harvest mouse (Micromys minutus) were taken as prey. This suggests that small or kitten domestic cats could potentially be targeted by these opportunistic predators.
However, it is important to note that the eastern imperial eagle’s primary prey tends to be larger than domestic cats. They are more likely to target small to medium-sized mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish as their main food sources.
Habitat Preferences and Overlap with Domestic Cats
The eastern imperial eagle’s preference for open habitats, such as grasslands, meadows, and wetlands, may also limit the potential for interactions with domestic cats, which are more commonly found in urban and suburban areas.
Domestic cats are typically more associated with the habitat preferences of other raptor species, such as the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) or the Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii), which are more adapted to hunting in urban and suburban environments.
Factors Affecting Prey Selection
The eastern imperial eagle’s prey selection is influenced by a variety of factors, including the availability and abundance of different prey species, the eagle’s own size and hunting capabilities, and the presence of other competing predators in the ecosystem.
In some cases, the eastern imperial eagle may be more likely to target small or kitten domestic cats if other preferred prey species are scarce or difficult to obtain. However, this is likely to be a relatively rare occurrence, as the eagle’s primary focus is on larger and more abundant prey.
Conclusion
While eastern imperial eagles do not specifically target domestic cats as prey, small or kitten cats can sometimes be taken by these opportunistic predators. However, the eagle’s primary prey tends to be larger mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish, and their habitat preferences may limit the potential for interactions with domestic cats.
Ultimately, the likelihood of an eastern imperial eagle preying on a domestic cat will depend on a variety of factors, including the availability of other prey species, the size and age of the cat, and the specific environmental conditions in the eagle’s habitat.
References:
– Animalia.bio – Eastern Imperial Eagle
– Thai National Parks – Eastern Imperial Eagle
– Animal Diversity – Eastern Imperial Eagle
– Kiddle – Eastern Imperial Eagle
– Oiseaux-Birds – Eastern Imperial Eagle
