Yes, white-tailed eagles do eat roadkill. In fact, roadkill is a significant part of their diet. According to a study of 21 accrued dietary studies, 61.3% of prey items by number in the foods during nesting efforts were mammals, many of which were likely roadkill. Another study found that just shy of 90% of prey biomass was made up of mammals, 6.2% by birds, and 3.4% by reptiles, indicating that white-tailed eagles primarily consume larger mammals.
The Opportunistic Feeding Habits of White-Tailed Eagles
White-tailed eagles are opportunistic feeders and will scavenge for food when it is available. They have been known to follow wildfires to search for fleeing animals or tractors and other farm equipment for the opportunity to scavenge. In some cases, these eagles will attempt to force large prey such as kangaroos and dingos to fall off steep hillsides and injure themselves.
Providing Carrion for White-Tailed Eagles
Image source: white tailed eagle by Andreas Weith
Conservationists have recognized the importance of providing carrion for white-tailed eagles and other predatory birds. In the UK, where white-tailed eagles have been reintroduced, conservationists have built “sky tables” on which they put carrion to attract the birds. This provides a rich source of food for the eagles and other scavengers, and helps to reduce their reliance on roadkill.
The Importance of Roadkill in the Diet of White-Tailed Eagles
Roadkill is a significant part of the diet of white-tailed eagles. According to a study, 61.3% of prey items by number in the foods during nesting efforts were mammals, many of which were likely roadkill. Another study found that just shy of 90% of prey biomass was made up of mammals, 6.2% by birds, and 3.4% by reptiles, indicating that white-tailed eagles primarily consume larger mammals.
Scavenging Behavior of White-Tailed Eagles
White-tailed eagles are opportunistic feeders and will scavenge for food when it is available. They have been known to follow wildfires to search for fleeing animals or tractors and other farm equipment for the opportunity to scavenge. In some cases, these eagles will attempt to force large prey such as kangaroos and dingos to fall off steep hillsides and injure themselves.
Conservation Efforts to Support White-Tailed Eagles
Conservationists have recognized the importance of providing carrion for white-tailed eagles and other predatory birds. In the UK, where white-tailed eagles have been reintroduced, conservationists have built “sky tables” on which they put carrion to attract the birds. This provides a rich source of food for the eagles and other scavengers, and helps to reduce their reliance on roadkill.
Conclusion
In summary, white-tailed eagles do eat roadkill, but they are also opportunistic feeders that will scavenge for food when it is available. Providing carrion through conservation efforts can help to reduce their reliance on roadkill and support their populations.
References:
– Extension.illinois.edu – Bald Eagles: Noble Bird or Thieving Scavenger?
– Wikipedia – Wedge-tailed Eagle
– TheGuardian.com – Guess who’s coming to dinner? Roadkill placed on ‘sky tables’ to lure rare birds of prey
– NorfolkWildlifeTrust.org.uk – Kites and Eagles: The Falsely Accused
– MDPI.com – Diet of the White-Tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) in the Breeding Season in the Kurzeme Region of Latvia
