Eastern imperial eagles (Aquila heliaca) are large birds of prey that primarily feed on small to medium-sized mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and occasionally insects. While they are opportunistic predators, capable of taking on a variety of prey, they do not specifically target or eat coyotes.
The Diet of Eastern Imperial Eagles
Eastern imperial eagles have a varied diet, with small to medium-sized mammals being their most regularly selected prey. In Hungary, for example, the annual proportion of the prey categories of Eastern Imperial Eagles includes 32.7% mammals, with the largest mammals taken weighing 5.7 kg (12.6 lb). This includes adult marmots and domestic lambs (Ovis aries).
| Prey Category | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Mammals | 32.7% |
| Birds | 27.3% |
| Reptiles | 18.2% |
| Fish | 13.6% |
| Insects | 8.2% |
As the table shows, mammals make up the largest portion of the eastern imperial eagle’s diet, but these are typically smaller species, such as marmots and lambs, rather than larger predators like coyotes.
Prey Size and Hunting Behavior
Image source: eastern imperial eagle By Koshy Koshy
Eastern imperial eagles are capable of overpowering and preying upon red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and corsac foxes (Vulpes corsac), which are smaller than coyotes, with average weights of up to 6 to 10 kg (13 to 22 lb) for red foxes and 2 to 3 kg (4 to 7 lb) for corsac foxes. However, it is unlikely that they would attempt to take on a coyote, which can weigh between 9 to 23 kg (20 to 50 lb).
Coyotes are larger, more robust, and more aggressive than the typical prey of eastern imperial eagles. These eagles are opportunistic predators, but they generally avoid taking on prey that is too large or too difficult to overpower and subdue. Coyotes possess powerful jaws, sharp teeth, and the ability to defend themselves, making them a less suitable target for these birds of prey.
Habitat and Range Overlap
Eastern imperial eagles are found in parts of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, including countries like Hungary, Russia, and China. Coyotes, on the other hand, are native to North America and are not found in the natural habitat of the eastern imperial eagle.
While there may be some overlap in the ranges of these two species in certain regions, such as the far eastern parts of Russia, the likelihood of direct interactions and predation is relatively low. The differences in their geographic distributions and preferred habitats make it uncommon for eastern imperial eagles to encounter and attempt to hunt coyotes.
Conclusion
In summary, while eastern imperial eagles are opportunistic predators capable of taking on a variety of prey, they do not specifically target or eat coyotes. Their diet primarily consists of small to medium-sized mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and occasionally insects. They have been known to prey upon red foxes and corsac foxes, but it is unlikely they would attempt to take on a coyote due to its larger size, greater strength, and more aggressive nature.
References:
– Annual proportion of the prey categories of Eastern Imperial Eagles in Hungary between 2000-2015
– Eastern Imperial Eagle
– Eastern Imperial Eagle
– Eastern Imperial Eagle
– Eastern Imperial Eagle
– How Much Do Coyotes Weigh?
