White-tailed eagles, also known as sea eagles, are known to include rabbits as part of their varied and opportunistic diet. These birds of prey, the largest in the UK, have a wingspan of up to 2.4 meters and a weight ranging from 3.5 to 7 kg for males and females, respectively. While their primary prey is fish, they also hunt various birds, rabbits, and hares.

White-Tailed Eagles and Their Habitat

In Scotland, where the white-tailed eagle population has been reintroduced, these birds are found along sheltered sea lochs, coasts, and lochs, and they build their nests in trees. They are known to eat fish, birds, rabbits, and hares, and will also scavenge for food when possible, even stealing from otters or following fishing boats to eat scraps.

Hunting Strategies of White-Tailed Eagles

Image source: white tailed eagle by Andreas Weith

The white-tailed eagle’s hunting strategy often involves targeting young birds, as well as attacking the more conspicuous or open nests of gulls, other seabirds, large corvids, or other accipitrids. In Germany and Scotland, up to 86% of gulls taken were nestlings and juveniles. However, cases of white-tailed eagles eating eggs instead of nestlings or older birds are considered rare.

Prey Species of White-Tailed Eagles

In terms of specific prey species, the mallard is the most widely recorded avian prey species, due to its circumpolar range and commonality in many wetlands areas. However, healthy mallards can be difficult for white-tailed eagles to catch due to their tendency to fly at first sign of danger.

Rabbits as Part of the White-Tailed Eagle’s Diet

While fish make up a significant portion of the white-tailed eagle’s diet, these birds are opportunistic predators that will take advantage of various food sources, including rabbits, when available. In Scotland and other areas where white-tailed eagles have been reintroduced, they have been observed hunting and feeding on rabbits as part of their diverse diet.

Factors Affecting White-Tailed Eagle’s Prey Selection

The white-tailed eagle’s prey selection is influenced by various factors, such as the availability and abundance of different prey species in their habitat, the ease of catching and accessing the prey, and the nutritional value it provides. Rabbits, being a relatively common and accessible prey, can be an attractive food source for these large birds of prey.

Conclusion

In summary, white-tailed eagles are known to include rabbits as part of their varied and opportunistic diet, alongside their primary prey of fish and other birds. These adaptable predators will take advantage of various food sources, including rabbits, when available in their coastal and inland habitats.

References:
– White-Tailed Eagle Facts | Haliaeetus Albicilla – RSPB (https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/white-tailed-eagle/)
– White-tailed eagles | Forestry England (https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/white-tailed-eagles)
– White tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) – Forestry and Land Scotland (https://forestryandland.gov.scot/learn/wildlife/white-tailed-eagle)
– White-tailed eagle – Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-tailed_eagle)
– White-tailed eagle guide: what they eat, why they went extinct in the UK … (https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/birds/facts-about-white-tailed-eagles)