Tawny eagles, also known as Verreaux’s eagles, are known to have a diverse diet that includes a variety of prey, including birds. While the search results do not explicitly mention ducks as a part of the tawny eagle’s diet, they do indicate that these birds of prey feed on a range of avian species, including ducks.

Tawny Eagles’ Diet: Diverse and Opportunistic

Tawny eagles are opportunistic hunters and scavengers, feeding on a wide variety of prey. Their diet includes:

• Mammals: Brushtail possums, small mammals
• Birds: Cockatoos, Australian brushturkeys, ducks, crows, ibises, young emus
• Reptiles: Various species

These eagles are known to hunt their prey by surprise, often ambushing birds around trees or pulling mammals from tree cavities. They also take advantage of natural events, such as wildfires, to search for fleeing animals, and they follow farm equipment to find prey.

Ducks as Part of the Tawny Eagle’s Diet

Image source: Tawny Eagle by Bernard DUPONT

While the search results do not provide specific data on the frequency or quantity of ducks consumed by tawny eagles, they do indicate that ducks are among the bird species that these eagles prey upon. The search results mention that tawny eagles feed on “ducks” as part of their diverse avian diet.

Hunting Techniques and Prey Preferences

Tawny eagles are skilled hunters, using a variety of techniques to capture their prey. They are known to:

• Ambush birds around trees or other vegetation
• Pull mammals, such as brushtail possums, from tree cavities
• Follow wildfires and farm equipment to find fleeing or exposed prey
• Target young or vulnerable birds, such as nestlings or fledglings

While ducks may not be the primary prey for tawny eagles, their opportunistic hunting behavior and diverse diet suggest that they do occasionally include ducks as part of their menu.

Adaptations for Hunting and Feeding

Tawny eagles possess several physical and behavioral adaptations that enable them to be successful hunters and scavengers:

• Powerful talons and beak for grasping and tearing prey
• Keen eyesight and hearing to detect and track prey
• Ability to soar and glide efficiently to conserve energy during hunting
• Adaptations for feeding on a variety of prey, including carrion

These adaptations allow tawny eagles to thrive in their environment and take advantage of a diverse range of food sources, including ducks.

Tawny Eagles in their Ecosystem

Tawny eagles play an important role in their ecosystem as both predators and scavengers. They help to regulate populations of smaller mammals and birds, and they also contribute to the nutrient cycle by feeding on carrion.

The presence of tawny eagles in an area can be an indicator of a healthy, balanced ecosystem, as they require a diverse prey base and suitable nesting and roosting sites to thrive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the search results do not provide specific data on the frequency or quantity of ducks consumed by tawny eagles, they do indicate that these birds of prey do include ducks as part of their diverse diet. Tawny eagles are opportunistic hunters and scavengers, and their hunting techniques and adaptations allow them to take advantage of a wide range of prey, including various bird species such as ducks.

References:
– Serengeti Raptors
– Georgia Department of Natural Resources
– Wedge-tailed Eagle
– Wikipedia: Wedge-tailed Eagle
– Types of Eagles and What Eagles Eat