Golden Eagles are known to be opportunistic predators that prey on a variety of animals, including other birds. These majestic raptors are capable of taking down large prey, such as cranes, wild ungulates, and even domestic livestock, but they primarily subsist on smaller animals like rabbits, hares, ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and marmots.

Hunting Behavior of Golden Eagles

Golden Eagles employ a range of hunting techniques to capture their prey. They are known to:

1. Soar and dive in pursuit of prey
2. Hunt in pairs, with one eagle driving the prey towards the other
3. Follow crows or other scavengers to carrion, which they then take for themselves

Their hunting success rate in Idaho is around 20%, with adult male and female eagles spending an average of 78% and 85% of daylight hours, respectively, perched or nesting.

Prey Preferences of Golden Eagles

Image source: pexels

While Golden Eagles are capable of taking down large prey, they primarily feed on:

• Rabbits
• Hares
• Ground squirrels
• Prairie dogs
• Marmots

They have also been observed attempting to hunt large birds such as geese or cranes, and they have been known to prey on other raptors, including owls and falcons.

Hunting Large Prey

Golden Eagles are powerful hunters and are capable of killing large prey, such as:

• Cranes
• Wild ungulates (e.g., deer, elk)
• Domestic livestock (e.g., lambs, kids)

However, they will often attack larger birds and mammals, including bears or coyotes, in defense of their prey or their eaglets.

Scavenging and Carrion Feeding

In addition to hunting live prey, Golden Eagles will also feed on carrion. They have been observed following crows or other scavengers to find and take over carcasses, such as an elk that did not survive the winter.

Hunting in Pairs

Golden Eagles are known to hunt in pairs, with one eagle driving the prey towards the other. This cooperative hunting strategy allows them to take down larger and more challenging prey.

Hunting Other Raptors

Golden Eagles have been documented preying on other raptors, including owls and falcons. This behavior is likely a result of the Golden Eagle’s dominance and aggression in the avian predator hierarchy.

Food Requirements

A fully-grown Golden Eagle requires approximately 230 to 250 grams (8.1 to 8.8 ounces) of food per day. However, they have been known to go without food for up to a week and then consume up to 900 grams (2.0 pounds) at one sitting.

References:
– Reddit post on Golden Eagles eating other birds
– Wikipedia article on Golden Eagles
– Eagles.org article on Golden Eagle diet
– All About Birds article on Golden Eagles
– Alaska Department of Fish and Game article on Golden Eagles