White-bellied sea eagles (Haliaeetus leucogaster) are known to eat rabbits, among other prey items. They are large birds of prey that are graceful in flight and spend their time soaring over the surface of the sea or perching on rocks or branches beside the water. They have a wide range in Asia and Australasia, including India, Sri Lanka, southern China, the Philippines, Wallacea, New Guinea, Australia, and Tasmania. They are found in coastal areas, estuaries, lakes, artificial reservoirs, rivers, swamps, and nearby terrestrial habitats.
What Do White Bellied Sea Eagles Eat?
White-bellied sea eagles are skilled hunters both at sea and on the land. They hunt a variety of prey, including:
- Fish
- Tortoises
- Sea-snakes
- Waterfowl
- Reptiles
- Nestling birds
- Rabbits
- Carrion
They are aggressive and have large talons and powerful curved beaks that help them grab and kill their prey. Thick scales on their legs protect them like armor, and their excellent eyesight makes it easy for them to target their next meal.
How Often Do White Bellied Sea Eagles Eat Rabbits?
Image source: bellied sea eagle by shankar s
Rabbits constitute only a small fraction of the white-bellied sea eagle’s diet, and they are not as reliant on rabbits as wedge-tailed eagles are. A study of inland bodies of water around Canberra where wedge-tailed eagles and white-bellied sea eagles share their habitat found that white-bellied sea eagles caught fish, water-dwelling reptiles such as the eastern long-necked turtle and Australian water dragon, and waterbirds such as ducks, grebes and coots. Rabbits constituted only a small portion of the white-bellied sea eagle’s diet.
Hunting Behavior of White Bellied Sea Eagles
White-bellied sea eagles are aggressive hunters and have several adaptations that help them catch their prey:
- Large talons and powerful curved beaks to grab and kill their prey
- Thick scales on their legs that protect them like armor
- Excellent eyesight that helps them target their next meal
They are also known to harass other birds such as ospreys and terns until they drop their prey, which the eagles then collect.
Habitat and Range of White Bellied Sea Eagles
White-bellied sea eagles have a wide range in Asia and Australasia, including:
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Southern China
- The Philippines
- Wallacea
- New Guinea
- Australia
- Tasmania
They are found in coastal areas, estuaries, lakes, artificial reservoirs, rivers, swamps, and nearby terrestrial habitats.
Conclusion
In summary, white-bellied sea eagles do eat rabbits, but they are not as reliant on them as wedge-tailed eagles are. They are skilled hunters that feed on a variety of prey items, including fish, tortoises, sea-snakes, waterfowl, reptiles, nestling birds, and rabbits. They are aggressive and have adaptations that help them catch their prey, such as large talons, powerful curved beaks, and excellent eyesight.
References:
– https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/eagles/white-bellied-sea-eagle
– https://cdn.environment.sa.gov.au/landscape/docs/hf/white-bellied-sea-eagle-bio-region-fact.pdf
– https://www.thainationalparks.com/species/white-bellied-sea-eagle
