Martial eagles are one of the largest and most powerful birds of prey in Africa, known for their impressive hunting skills and broad prey base. While they have a diverse diet that includes mammals, birds, and reptiles, the question remains: do martial eagles eat squirrels?
Do Martial Eagles Eat Squirrels?
The answer is yes, martial eagles do eat squirrels, but they are not a primary food source. According to a study in the Cape Province of South Africa, ground squirrels (Xerus inauris) make up only 4% of all kills by martial eagles. This is likely due to the fact that squirrels are relatively small and not as energy-rich as some of the other prey items that martial eagles target.
Martial Eagles’ Preferred Prey
Image source: Martial eagle by Charles J. Sharp
Martial eagles prefer prey that is medium-sized and weighs between 1-5 kilograms, but they have been known to take down animals much larger than this. In some cases, they have been observed killing and eating prey up to 35 kilograms. This includes animals such as:
- Cape hares
- Striped polecats
- Genets
- Mongooses
- Game birds
- Waterfowl
- Rock hyraxes
- Vervet monkeys
- Baboons
- Small antelopes
- Jackals
- Snakes
- Monitor lizards
Hunting Techniques of Martial Eagles
One interesting fact about martial eagles is that they have been known to steal prey from other animals, including leopards and cheetahs. They have also been observed stealing prey from bearded vultures, as in the case of a martial eagle that stole a rock hyrax from a bearded vulture.
In terms of hunting techniques, martial eagles tend to hunt on the wing at a high flying height, using their superb vision to spot prey from above. They will then swoop down and grab their prey with their powerful talons.
Martial Eagles’ Diverse Diet
Overall, while martial eagles do eat squirrels, they are not a primary food source for these impressive birds of prey. Instead, they target a diverse range of prey items, from small mammals and birds to large ungulates and reptiles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, martial eagles are impressive hunters with a diverse prey base that includes squirrels, but they are not a primary food source for these birds. Their hunting techniques and preference for medium-sized prey make them highly successful predators in the African ecosystem.
References:
- Birding.krugerpark.co.za, 2023. Eagles and Hawk, Birding Raptor Guide Kruger Park Birding.
- Treehugger.com, 2023. 5 Birds That Could Steal Your Toddler.
- Animaldiversity.org, 2023. Polemaetus bellicosus – Martial eagles – Animal Diversity Web.
- Wikipedia.org, 2023. Martial eagle.
- Wikipedia.org, 2023. Crowned eagle.
