White-tailed eagles, also known as sea eagles, are large birds of prey that primarily feed on fish and carrion. While they are not known to regularly prey on chickens, there have been some anecdotal reports of them occasionally taking medium-sized mammals, including hares. This suggests that under certain circumstances, white-tailed eagles may potentially target chickens as a food source.

What Do White-Tailed Eagles Eat?

White-tailed eagles are opportunistic feeders and their diet consists primarily of:

1. Fish: They are skilled hunters and often dive into the water to catch fish such as salmon, trout, and herring.
2. Carrion: They scavenge on the carcasses of dead animals, including seals, sheep, and other marine creatures.
3. Small to Medium-Sized Mammals: While not their primary prey, white-tailed eagles have been known to occasionally hunt and consume small to medium-sized mammals, such as hares and rabbits.

Potential Predation of Chickens by White-Tailed Eagles

Image source: white tailed eagle by Andreas Weith

While there is no specific scientific data or studies on white-tailed eagles preying on chickens, there are a few anecdotal reports that suggest this may occur in some cases:

1. News Report from Australia: A news report from Australia shows a wedge-tailed eagle, a different species of eagle but still a bird of prey, attacking and eating chickens in a backyard coop.
2. Irish Poultry Forum Discussion: A post on an Irish poultry forum discusses eagles or buzzards taking chickens, suggesting that white-tailed eagles could potentially prey on chickens if given the opportunity.

These reports indicate that while white-tailed eagles may not regularly target chickens, they could potentially do so if the opportunity arises, especially if other food sources are scarce.

Preventing Predation by White-Tailed Eagles

To prevent predation by white-tailed eagles and other birds of prey, poultry owners can take several actions:

1. Improve Fencing and Housing: Ensure that the chicken coop and run are well-secured with sturdy fencing that extends both above and below ground to deter both aerial and ground predators.
2. Modify the Habitat: Eliminate potential perch sites within 9 meters (100 yards) of the flock, as this can help deter aerial predation from hawks and owls.
3. Use Guard Dogs: Trained guard dogs can be effective in deterring predators, including birds of prey, from approaching the flock.
4. Seek Assistance from Wildlife Services: If white-tailed eagles or other birds of prey are known to be a problem in the area, consider contacting local wildlife services for guidance on managing the situation.

Conclusion

While white-tailed eagles are not known to regularly prey on chickens, there are some anecdotal reports that suggest they may occasionally target chickens as a food source, especially if other food sources are scarce. To prevent such incidents, poultry owners can take various measures to improve fencing, housing, and habitat around their flocks, as well as utilize guard dogs or seek assistance from wildlife services.

References:
– Chickens eaten by wedge tailed eagle – Newsflare. https://www.newsflare.com/video/389163/chickens-eaten-by-wedge-tailed-eagle
– Predator Management for Small and Backyard Poultry Flocks. https://poultry.extension.org/articles/poultry-management/predator-management-for-small-and-backyard-poultry-flocks/
– eagles or buzzards taking my chickens – Irish Fowl. http://www.irishfowl.com/talk/topic-19355.html?c=2