White-tailed eagles are known to be opportunistic predators, and they do indeed eat other birds as part of their diverse diet. These majestic birds of prey are found across Europe and Asia, and their feeding habits have been the subject of extensive research.

The Diet of White-Tailed Eagles

White-tailed eagles are primarily fish-eaters, with fish making up a significant portion of their diet. They are skilled hunters, often diving into the water to catch their prey. However, they are also known to supplement their diet with other food sources, including:

1. Carrion: Up to 30% of a white-tailed eagle’s diet in Germany can consist of carrion, such as dead animals and fish.
2. Small Mammals: White-tailed eagles will hunt and consume small mammals, such as rabbits and hares.
3. Other Birds: These eagles are known to prey on a variety of bird species, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and even other raptors.

Hunting Techniques for Other Birds

Image source: white tailed eagle by Andreas Weith

White-tailed eagles employ various hunting strategies to capture other birds. Some of their common techniques include:

1. Low-Level Flights: These eagles often fly low over coastal areas or lakeshores, attempting to surprise and catch their avian prey.
2. Aerial Attacks: White-tailed eagles have been observed plunging from heights of up to 200 meters (660 feet) to catch birds in mid-flight.
3. Piracy: These eagles are known to steal food from other birds, such as cormorants, gulls, ospreys, and even other raptors.

Factors Affecting Bird Predation

The extent to which white-tailed eagles prey on other birds can be influenced by several factors, including:

1. Geographic Location: The size and weight of white-tailed eagles can vary significantly depending on their geographic location. Larger eagles from Alaska, for example, may be more capable of hunting larger bird species.
2. Prey Availability: The abundance and accessibility of other bird species in the eagle’s habitat can affect the frequency and success of their bird-hunting efforts.
3. Prey Health: White-tailed eagles are more likely to target sick, injured, or weakened birds, as they are easier to catch and subdue.

Conservation Efforts and Impacts

The white-tailed eagle’s predation of other bird species has been a subject of concern for conservationists in some regions. In Denmark, for instance, conservationists have observed these eagles targeting sick and injured water birds, which can have a negative impact on local bird populations.

To address these concerns, some conservation efforts have focused on monitoring and managing white-tailed eagle populations, as well as protecting vulnerable bird species in areas where the eagles are present.

Conclusion

In summary, white-tailed eagles are indeed known to prey on other bird species as part of their diverse diet. These majestic birds of prey employ a variety of hunting techniques to capture their avian targets, with factors such as geographic location, prey availability, and prey health influencing the extent of their bird-hunting activities. While this predation can be a concern for conservationists in some regions, it is an important aspect of the white-tailed eagle’s role as a top predator in its ecosystem.

References:

• Carnivora.net – American Bald Eagle v White-Tailed Sea Eagle
• Discover Wildlife – Facts About White-Tailed Eagles
• Wikipedia – White-Tailed Eagle