White-tailed eagles, also known as sea eagles, are opportunistic and generalist predators, meaning they eat a wide variety of prey. While mammals, birds, and reptiles make up the majority of their diet, amphibians like frogs are not a significant part of their diet.
Do White-Tailed Eagles Eat Frogs?
No, white-tailed eagles do not primarily eat frogs. Out of 21 accrued dietary studies, only 2.1% of prey items by number were invertebrates, and almost no amphibians were found. In terms of biomass, just shy of 90% was made up of mammals, 6.2% by birds, and 3.4% by reptiles.
What Do White-Tailed Eagles Primarily Eat?
Image source: white tailed eagle by Andreas Weith
White-tailed eagles are the largest bird of prey in Britain and have a wingspan of 8 feet as an adult. They primarily feed on:
- Fish
- Rabbits
- Small birds
Where Do White-Tailed Eagles Live?
White-tailed eagles are found in various parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. In the UK, they are primarily found in the Isle of Skye, where they are known to eat:
- Mice
- Frogs
- Small birds
However, these prey items are not a significant part of their diet.
Comparison with Wedge-Tailed Eagles
The wedge-tailed eagle, a related species found in Australia, has a more varied diet, including:
- Mammals
- Birds
- Reptiles
- Insects
- Fish
But even for the wedge-tailed eagle, amphibians like frogs are not a significant part of their diet.
Reasons Why White-Tailed Eagles Don’t Eat Frogs
There are a few reasons why white-tailed eagles don’t primarily eat frogs:
- Prey Preference: White-tailed eagles prefer larger prey like fish, rabbits, and small birds, which provide more substantial energy and nutrition.
- Habitat Differences: Frogs typically inhabit wetlands and aquatic environments, while white-tailed eagles prefer coastal and inland waterways, where their primary prey is more abundant.
- Hunting Strategies: White-tailed eagles are skilled at hunting in the air and from perches, which may not be as effective for catching agile, ground-dwelling prey like frogs.
Conclusion
In summary, while white-tailed eagles are opportunistic predators and may eat frogs if they come across them, frogs are not a significant part of their diet. Mammals, birds, and reptiles make up the majority of their diet, with fish being their primary food source.
References:
– Isle of Skye Wildlife
– Wedge-tailed Eagle
– White-Tailed Eagle Facts
– White-Tailed Eagle Action Plan
