White-tailed eagles are large birds of prey known for their impressive hunting skills, but they do not typically prey on coyotes. While these majestic birds are opportunistic feeders and will consume a variety of animals, including fish, small mammals, and carrion, coyotes are generally not part of their regular diet.
The Feeding Habits of White-Tailed Eagles
White-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) are one of the largest birds of prey in the world, with a wingspan that can reach up to 2.5 meters (8 feet). These impressive raptors are found in coastal regions of Europe and Asia, where they primarily feed on fish, waterfowl, and small mammals.
Preferred Prey of White-Tailed Eagles
White-tailed eagles are known to prey on a variety of animals, including:
- Fish (such as salmon, trout, and herring)
- Waterfowl (such as ducks, geese, and swans)
- Small mammals (such as rabbits, hares, and rodents)
- Carrion (dead animals)
While they are capable of taking down larger prey, such as young deer or lambs, coyotes are generally too large and formidable for a white-tailed eagle to successfully hunt and consume.
Coyotes: A Formidable Predator
Image source: white tailed eagle by Andreas Weith
Coyotes (Canis latrans) are medium-sized canines that are found throughout North America. These adaptable predators are known for their intelligence, speed, and hunting prowess. Coyotes typically prey on small to medium-sized animals, such as:
- Rodents (such as mice, voles, and ground squirrels)
- Rabbits and hares
- Deer (particularly fawns)
- Livestock (such as sheep and poultry)
- Carrion
Coyotes are generally larger and more aggressive than the typical prey of white-tailed eagles, making them an unlikely target for these birds of prey.
Rare Instances of Bald Eagles Preying on Coyotes
While white-tailed eagles do not typically prey on coyotes, there have been rare instances of their close relative, the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), attacking and killing coyotes.
A study conducted in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan found that coyotes were the primary predator of white-tailed deer fawns, accounting for 22 out of 53 fawn deaths over a three-year period. However, bald eagles were responsible for one fawn death during the same time frame, indicating that they may occasionally target young or vulnerable coyotes.
It’s important to note that these instances are highly uncommon and do not reflect the typical feeding behavior of white-tailed eagles or bald eagles. These large raptors are generally more focused on hunting their preferred prey, such as fish and small mammals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while white-tailed eagles are impressive and versatile hunters, they do not typically prey on coyotes. These large birds of prey are more likely to focus on fish, waterfowl, and small mammals as their primary food sources. Coyotes, with their size, strength, and hunting prowess, are generally not considered a viable target for white-tailed eagles.
However, in rare instances, their close relative, the bald eagle, has been known to attack and kill young or vulnerable coyotes, particularly when targeting deer fawns. But these occurrences are exceptional and do not reflect the standard feeding habits of these majestic birds of prey.
