White-tailed eagles are the largest birds of prey in the UK, with a wingspan of up to 2.4 meters. They are known for their slow, heavy wing beats and broad wings, which give them an impressive and distinctive appearance. However, contrary to popular belief, white-tailed eagles do not typically prey on hawks. Instead, their diet primarily consists of fish, which they catch by swooping down to the surface of the water and grabbing their prey with their sharp talons.
The Diet of White-Tailed Eagles
White-tailed eagles are opportunistic hunters and scavengers, and their diet is quite diverse. Here’s a breakdown of what they typically eat:
| Food Item | Percentage of Diet |
|---|---|
| Fish | 60-80% |
| Waterfowl | 10-20% |
| Carrion | 5-10% |
| Small mammals (e.g., rabbits) | 5-10% |
As you can see, fish make up the majority of their diet, with waterfowl, carrion, and small mammals making up the rest. There is no evidence to suggest that white-tailed eagles actively hunt or target hawks as prey.
Hunting Behavior of White-Tailed Eagles
Image source: white tailed eagle by Andreas Weith
White-tailed eagles are known for their impressive hunting techniques. They typically hunt by soaring high above the water, scanning for fish or waterfowl. When they spot their prey, they will dive down, sometimes from heights of up to 30 meters, and grab their target with their sharp talons.
In addition to hunting, white-tailed eagles are also known to scavenge for carrion, such as the remains of dead animals. They have been observed stealing food from other birds, including ospreys, but this is more of an opportunistic behavior rather than a targeted hunting strategy.
Differences Between White-Tailed Eagles and Hawks
While both white-tailed eagles and hawks belong to the Accipitridae family, they are distinct species with different hunting behaviors and prey preferences. Here are some key differences:
- Wingspan: White-tailed eagles have a wingspan of up to 2.4 meters, while hawks have a wingspan of 1.4-1.7 meters.
- Wing Shape: White-tailed eagles have broad, rounded wings, while hawks have narrow, pointed wings.
- Hunting Behavior: White-tailed eagles are primarily fish-eaters and hunt by diving into the water, while hawks are more generalist predators that hunt a variety of small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
- Prey Preference: White-tailed eagles primarily target fish, waterfowl, and carrion, while hawks hunt a wider range of prey, including small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while white-tailed eagles are the largest birds of prey in the UK, they do not typically prey on hawks. Their diet is primarily focused on fish, with waterfowl, carrion, and small mammals making up the rest. White-tailed eagles and hawks are distinct species with different hunting behaviors and prey preferences, and there is no evidence to suggest that white-tailed eagles actively target hawks as prey.
