Tawny eagles, scientifically known as Aquila rapax, are birds of prey that primarily feed on mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. While they are known to prey on chickens in some cases, it is not their primary diet. Tawny eagles are opportunistic predators that typically hunt on the ground, using a stealthy approach to capture their prey.

Do Tawny Eagles Prey on Chickens?

Tawny eagles are less likely to be a significant threat to chickens compared to other ground predators such as raccoons, foxes, and other four-footed mammals. However, it is not uncommon for tawny eagles to attack and eat chickens, especially if they are free-ranging and easily accessible.

Factors Influencing Tawny Eagle Attacks on Chickens

1. Availability of Prey: Tawny eagles are opportunistic predators and will take advantage of any available prey, including chickens, if their primary food sources are scarce.

2. Accessibility of Chickens: Free-ranging chickens that are not properly secured in a coop or enclosed area are more vulnerable to tawny eagle attacks.

3. Proximity to Tawny Eagle Habitat: Chickens kept in areas near tawny eagle nesting or hunting grounds are more likely to be targeted by these birds of prey.

4. Time of Day: Tawny eagles are most active during the early hours of the morning and late evening, making these times when chickens are at a higher risk of being attacked.

Protecting Chickens from Tawny Eagles

Image source: Tawny Eagle by Bernard DUPONT

To prevent tawny eagles from attacking chickens, it is essential to provide adequate protection for the birds. This can be achieved through the following measures:

1. Secure Chicken Coop: Keeping chickens in a secure coop at night, with no gaps or openings that could allow predators to enter, is crucial.

2. Daytime Enclosure: Ensuring that there are no perch areas within 100 yards of the chicken coop during the day, as this can attract tawny eagles and other birds of prey.

3. Deterrents: Using visual or auditory deterrents, such as reflective ribbons, scarecrows, or motion-activated alarms, can help scare away tawny eagles and other predators.

4. Vigilance: Regularly monitoring the chicken coop and surrounding area, especially during the early morning and late evening hours, can help detect and deter any potential tawny eagle attacks.

Legal Considerations

It is important to note that it is illegal to harm or kill a bird of prey, including tawny eagles, in many countries. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on preventative measures rather than attempting to eliminate the predator.

Conclusion

While tawny eagles do occasionally prey on chickens, they are not their primary diet, and their attacks on chickens are less common compared to other ground predators. By providing adequate protection for chickens and focusing on preventative measures, you can effectively reduce the risk of tawny eagle attacks on your flock.

References:

1. Changeable Hawk-Eagle
2. Keep Owls Away from Chickens
3. What Birds of Prey Attack Chickens in Australia
4. Tawny Eagle Identification
5. Tawny Eagle Species Information
6. IUCN Red List – Tawny Eagle