White-bellied sea eagles (Haliaeetus leucogaster) are known to be opportunistic feeders, primarily preying on aquatic animals such as fish, eels, and crustaceans. However, they have also been observed preying on a variety of other animals, including birds, mammals, and carrion. While there is no specific mention of white-bellied sea eagles preying on hawks in the available information, it is possible that they may occasionally do so, as they are capable of hunting a wide range of prey.

Hunting Behavior of White-Bellied Sea Eagles

White-bellied sea eagles are skilled hunters, using their sharp senses of sight to spot prey from large distances. They typically hunt by flying low over water or along the shoreline, waiting for an opportunity to surprise their prey. Their large talons enable them to grasp and carry away large prey items, including aquatic animals and other birds.

In addition to their own hunting efforts, white-bellied sea eagles have also been known to steal food from other birds of prey, such as ospreys and wedge-tailed eagles. This behavior is likely driven by the need to compete for limited resources and maintain their own food supply.

Prey Preferences of White-Bellied Sea Eagles

Image source: bellied sea eagle by shankar s

While white-bellied sea eagles primarily feed on aquatic animals, they have been observed preying on a variety of other animals, including:

• Fish
• Eels
• Crustaceans
• Gulls
• Waterfowl
• Young herons
• Grey-headed flying-foxes
• Short-eared rock-wallabies

This diverse range of prey items highlights the opportunistic nature of the white-bellied sea eagle’s feeding habits. They are capable of adapting their hunting strategies to take advantage of a wide variety of available food sources.

Potential Predation on Hawks

Although there is no specific evidence that white-bellied sea eagles regularly prey on hawks, it is possible that they may occasionally do so. As opportunistic feeders, white-bellied sea eagles may seize the opportunity to hunt and consume other birds, including hawks, if the opportunity presents itself.

However, it is important to note that hawks are also skilled predators, and they may be able to defend themselves or avoid being preyed upon by the white-bellied sea eagle. The outcome of any potential encounter between these two birds of prey would likely depend on a variety of factors, such as the relative size and strength of the individuals involved, as well as the specific circumstances of the encounter.

Habitat and Distribution of White-Bellied Sea Eagles

White-bellied sea eagles are found in coastal and near-coastal areas of Southeast Asia, Australia, and the western Pacific Ocean. They prefer habitats near large bodies of water, such as estuaries, mangrove swamps, and coastal forests, where they can easily access their primary prey of fish and other aquatic animals.

In Australia, white-bellied sea eagles are found along the eastern and northern coasts, as well as in Tasmania. They are a protected species in many regions, and their populations are generally stable, although they may face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and human disturbance.

Conservation Status and Threats

The white-bellied sea eagle is classified as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, like many other birds of prey, they face a variety of threats that can impact their populations, including:

• Habitat loss and degradation
• Pollution and contamination of waterways
• Hunting and persecution by humans
• Collisions with power lines and other infrastructure
• Disturbance from human activities, such as recreational boating and development

Conservation efforts to protect white-bellied sea eagles and their habitats are ongoing in many regions, with a focus on preserving and restoring coastal and wetland ecosystems, reducing pollution and contaminants, and minimizing human disturbance in areas where these birds are known to reside.

Conclusion

In summary, while white-bellied sea eagles are primarily known to prey on aquatic animals, they are also capable of hunting a wide range of other prey, including birds. Although there is no specific evidence that they regularly prey on hawks, it is possible that they may occasionally do so, as they are opportunistic feeders. However, the outcome of any potential encounter between these two birds of prey would likely depend on a variety of factors, and hawks are also skilled predators capable of defending themselves.

References:
– White-tailed Eagle
– White-bellied Sea Eagle
– White-bellied Sea Eagle
– White-bellied Sea Eagle
– Living with Eagles and Hawks