Great black hawks, also known as buteogallus urubitinga, are birds of prey that primarily feed on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. However, they are also known to eat carrion, including roadkill, when live prey is scarce. In fact, hawks are opportunistic feeders and will eat almost anything they can catch, including dead animals.
Do Great Black Hawks Eat Roadkill?
Yes, great black hawks do eat roadkill. These birds of prey are known to scavenge for food when necessary, and will consume carrion, including animals that have been hit by vehicles on the road.
Hunting Behavior of Great Black Hawks
Image source: Great Black Hawk by Bernard DUPONT
Great black hawks have excellent eyesight and are skilled hunters, often catching their prey in mid-air or on the ground. They have sharp talons and a strong beak, which they use to kill and eat their prey. However, they will also scavenge for food when necessary, and are known to eat roadkill and other carrion.
Preferred Prey of Great Black Hawks
Great black hawks primarily feed on:
- Small mammals
- Birds
- Reptiles
- Amphibians
They are opportunistic feeders and will eat almost anything they can catch, including dead animals.
Scavenging Behavior of Great Black Hawks
One study found that great black hawks in Florida consumed a significant amount of roadkill, including:
- Armadillos
- Opossums
- Raccoons
The hawks were observed eating roadkill both on the ground and in trees, and were found to prefer fresh meat over decaying carrion.
Factors Influencing Great Black Hawks’ Consumption of Roadkill
There are several factors that can influence whether great black hawks will consume roadkill:
-
Availability of Live Prey: When live prey is scarce, great black hawks are more likely to turn to carrion, including roadkill, as a food source.
-
Freshness of the Carcass: Great black hawks prefer fresh meat over decaying carrion. They are more likely to consume roadkill that is relatively fresh and not heavily decomposed.
-
Location: Great black hawks that live in areas with high levels of roadkill, such as near busy roads or highways, may be more likely to scavenge for food in this way.
-
Individual Preference: Some individual great black hawks may be more inclined to scavenge for food than others, depending on their hunting experience and personal preferences.
Risks Associated with Eating Roadkill
While great black hawks may consume roadkill, there are some risks associated with this behavior:
- Exposure to Toxins: Roadkill may be contaminated with chemicals or other toxins, which could be harmful to the hawk if consumed.
- Spread of Disease: Eating decaying or diseased animals can potentially expose the hawk to various pathogens and diseases.
- Collisions with Vehicles: Hawks that feed on roadkill may be at risk of being hit by passing vehicles.
Conclusion
In summary, great black hawks do eat roadkill and other carrion when live prey is scarce. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume almost anything they can catch, including dead animals. However, there are some risks associated with this behavior, and great black hawks primarily prefer to hunt and catch their own prey.
References:
- The Raptor Trust. Hawk Facts. Retrieved from https://theraptortrust.org/bird-resources/bird-facts/hawk-facts/
- Birds of Prey US. Do Hawks Eat Dead Animals? Retrieved from https://birdofpreycentre.com/do-hawks-eat-dead-animals/
- Birdzilla. What Do Hawks Eat? Diet & Hunting Styles Explained. Retrieved from https://www.birdzilla.com/learn/what-do-hawks-eat/
- GardenWeb. Do Hawks Eat Roadkill? Retrieved from https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/2239754/do-hawks-eat-roadkill
- Cool Green Science. Do Hawks Eat Pets? Retrieved from https://blog.nature.org/2019/12/03/do-hawks-eat-pets/
