White-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) are known to have a diverse diet, primarily consisting of fish and water birds. However, they have been observed to occasionally consume other types of prey, including mammals such as foxes.
Do White-Tailed Eagles Eat Foxes?
Yes, white-tailed eagles have been known to eat foxes, though this is not a common occurrence. According to studies, the dietary occurrence of canids (presumably mostly red foxes) in the diet of white-tailed eagles ranges from 0.7% in the southern Alps to just over 13% in Sicily. This variation in the contribution of foxes in the diet of eagles is thought to be influenced by the availability of the eagles’ preferred prey.
Factors Influencing the Consumption of Foxes by White-Tailed Eagles
Image source: white tailed eagle by Andreas Weith
Availability of Preferred Prey
When the preferred prey of white-tailed eagles, such as fish and water birds, is in short supply, the eagles may be forced to broaden their diet to include prey they wouldn’t normally bother with, including predators like foxes. This is supported by the fact that cubs tend to appear on eyries (when adults have hungry chicks to feed) when the eagles’ preferred prey is scarce.
Geographical Variation
The contribution of foxes in the diet of white-tailed eagles varies widely across different regions. In the Mediterranean Basin, the dietary occurrence of canids (presumably mostly red foxes) in the diet of eagles ranged from 0.7% in the southern Alps to just over 13% in Sicily. This suggests that the availability of foxes as prey may also be influenced by geographical factors.
Comparison with Other Eagle Species
In comparison to other eagle species, the consumption of foxes by white-tailed eagles is relatively low. A study found that foxes make up only just over 2% of the combined diets of golden eagles. However, there are examples where white-tailed eagles have caused considerable declines in other fox populations.
Hunting Behavior of White-Tailed Eagles
White-tailed eagles are known to be opportunistic hunters, and their hunting behavior may play a role in their occasional consumption of foxes. These large birds of prey are capable of taking down a variety of prey, including small to medium-sized mammals, birds, and even carrion. When their preferred prey is scarce, they may be more likely to target foxes as a food source.
Impacts on Fox Populations
While the consumption of foxes by white-tailed eagles is not a common occurrence, it can have an impact on local fox populations, especially when the eagles’ preferred prey is in short supply. In some cases, white-tailed eagles have been observed causing considerable declines in fox populations.
Conclusion
In summary, while white-tailed eagles primarily feed on fish and water birds, they have been known to consume mammals such as foxes, especially when their preferred prey is in short supply. The contribution of foxes in the diet of these eagles varies widely across different regions, and is thought to be influenced by the availability of the eagles’ preferred food sources. While the consumption of foxes by white-tailed eagles is relatively low compared to other eagle species, it can still have an impact on local fox populations in certain areas.
