White-tailed eagles are large, powerful birds of prey that primarily feed on fish and water birds. While there are concerns that these birds may prey on cats, especially in the context of their reintroduction to the UK, the evidence suggests that this is not a common occurrence.
Do White-Tailed Eagles Prey on Cats?
The short answer is that there is no clear evidence to suggest that white-tailed eagles regularly prey on cats. Studies of their diet in Germany and Denmark have shown that their primary food sources are fish and water birds, with carrion making up to 30% of their diet. In the UK, reintroduced juvenile white-tailed eagles have been observed scavenging for food, similar to red kites, rather than actively hunting cats.
White-Tailed Eagles’ Preferred Prey
Image source: white tailed eagle by Andreas Weith
White-tailed eagles are known to be opportunistic predators, but their preferred prey consists of:
- Fish: They are skilled at catching fish from the water, and this makes up a significant portion of their diet.
- Water Birds: They often target ducks, geese, and other water-dwelling birds as prey.
- Carrion: White-tailed eagles are known to scavenge for dead animals, including those that have been killed by other predators.
While they are large and powerful birds, white-tailed eagles tend to avoid targeting mammals, including cats, as their primary food source. This is consistent with the feeding habits of other sea eagle species, such as the bald eagle and Steller’s sea eagle, which also primarily consume fish and water birds.
Territory Size and Hunting Behavior
The territory size of white-tailed eagles can vary significantly, ranging from 52 to 415 km2 (20 to 160 sq mi). However, studies in northeastern Germany have found that their home ranges can be much smaller, ranging from 2.25 to 19.16 km2 (0.87 to 7.40 sq mi).
In terms of hunting behavior, white-tailed eagles are known to be skilled at catching fish from the water, often using their powerful talons to snatch their prey from the surface. They may also engage in cooperative hunting with other birds of prey, such as gulls, to increase their chances of success.
Reintroduction and Potential Impacts on Cats
The reintroduction of white-tailed eagles to the UK has raised some concerns about the potential impact on local wildlife, including cats. However, the available evidence suggests that these concerns may be overstated.
While it’s possible that white-tailed eagles may occasionally prey on cats, particularly in the context of their reintroduction, there is no clear data to suggest that this is a common or significant part of their diet. The birds are more likely to target their preferred prey of fish and water birds, as well as scavenge for carrion.
Conclusion
In summary, while white-tailed eagles are large and powerful birds of prey, the available evidence suggests that they do not commonly prey on cats. Their diet is primarily focused on fish, water birds, and carrion, and they tend to avoid targeting mammals as their primary food source. While the reintroduction of these birds to the UK has raised some concerns, the impact on local cat populations is likely to be minimal.
