Summary
Eastern imperial eagles (Aquila heliaca) are large birds of prey that are known to prey on a variety of small to medium-sized mammals, including foxes. While there is no specific data on how often they consume foxes, it is established that they are opportunistic predators and will take any prey they are capable of overpowering.
Do Eastern Imperial Eagles Eat Foxes?
Image source: eastern imperial eagle By Koshy Koshy
Yes, eastern imperial eagles are known to prey on both red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and corsac foxes (Vulpes corsac). However, the frequency of these predatory events is not well-documented. Eastern imperial eagles are opportunistic hunters and will take a wide range of prey, including small to medium-sized mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and even insects.
Prey Spectrum of Eastern Imperial Eagles
The prey spectrum of eastern imperial eagles is highly varied and includes:
| Prey Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Mammals | Red foxes, corsac foxes, young ungulates (e.g., calves, lambs), Eurasian harvest mice |
| Birds | Various species |
| Reptiles | Various species |
| Fish | Various species |
| Insects | Locusts |
Eastern imperial eagles are known to take mammals up to 5 kg (11 lb) in weight as live prey, which is similar in size to the largest avian prey they hunt in Europe.
Hunting Techniques of Eastern Imperial Eagles
Eastern imperial eagles employ various hunting techniques to capture their prey:
- Still Hunting: They often watch for prey from a moderately low perch, then make a short stoop or dive to the ground to capture the prey.
- Aerial Hunting: They may make a longer dive onto prey from a low soaring flight, often using vegetation to obscure their approach.
- Ground Hunting: They may capture prey, including insects and burrowing mammals, on foot by waiting at the entrance of the animal’s burrow.
- Kleptoparasitism: Occasionally, they will steal food from other eagles, especially during the winter months.
- Tandem Hunting: They may also hunt in pairs, with one eagle flushing the prey towards the other.
Breeding and Nesting Behavior
Eastern imperial eagles are monogamous and form pair-bonds that last for life. They breed between late March and September, during which pairs engage in aerial displays with loud calling and extensive high circling to mark their territory. The pair constructs a very large nest of sticks, which may average up to 1.2 to 1.5 m (3 ft 11 in to 4 ft 11 in) across and 60 to 70 cm (24 to 28 in) in depth. Nests are frequently lined with various materials, including twigs, grass, fur, debris, and greenery. Eastern imperial eagles typically build their nests in tall trees, but they may also construct them as low as 2 m (6.6 ft) in low scrub or, rarely, on a cliff or the ground.
Conclusion
In summary, eastern imperial eagles are known to prey on both red foxes and corsac foxes, although the frequency of these predatory events is not well-documented. As opportunistic predators, they have a highly varied prey spectrum that includes small to medium-sized mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and even insects. Eastern imperial eagles employ a range of hunting techniques, including still hunting, aerial hunting, ground hunting, kleptoparasitism, and tandem hunting. They are monogamous birds that form pair-bonds for life and build large nests in tall trees or other elevated structures.
References
- https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Aquila_heliaca/
- https://flightforsurvival.org/birds/eastern-imperial-eagle/
- https://animalia.bio/eastern-imperial-eagle?environment=207
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_imperial_eagle
- https://carnivora.net/eastern-or-asian-imperial-eagle-v-red-headed-vultu-t6009.html
