The Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) is a top predator that exploits a wide range of prey, primarily consisting of small mammals, waterfowl, and carrion. Its diet can vary significantly by region, with different prey species being more common in different areas.
The Main Prey of the Eastern Imperial Eagle
The Eastern Imperial Eagle’s diet is primarily composed of small mammals, which can make up a significant portion of its prey. Some of the most common mammalian prey include:
| Prey Species | Percentage of Diet |
|---|---|
| Northern White-breasted Hedgehog | 25.7% |
| European Hare | Commonly Taken |
| Ground Squirrel | Commonly Taken |
In addition to small mammals, the Eastern Imperial Eagle also preys on various bird species, especially the young or fledglings of medium-sized to larger birds.
Carrion and Opportunistic Feeding
Image source: eastern imperial eagle By Koshy Koshy
Carrion is an important part of the Eastern Imperial Eagle’s diet, especially during the winter months. In some wintering populations, such as in Jordan, carrion can make up as much as 53.7% of the eagle’s dietary intake.
The Eastern Imperial Eagle is also known to take advantage of prey that has been inadvertently provided by humans, such as through intensive agricultural practices. This opportunistic feeding behavior allows the eagle to supplement its diet and adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Hunting Techniques
The Eastern Imperial Eagle is a versatile hunter, employing a variety of techniques to capture its prey. These include:
- Still hunting: Watching for prey at length from a moderately low perch
- Short stoops or dives to the ground once prey is spotted
- Longer dives onto prey from a low soaring flight
- Capturing prey in water or from the edge of waterways
- Capturing prey on foot, including insects and burrowing mammals
Regional Variations in Diet
The Eastern Imperial Eagle’s diet can vary significantly by region, with different prey species being more common in different areas. For example, in Austria, the main prey are young hares, while in other regions, they may focus more on susliks or marmots.
These regional variations in diet are likely influenced by the availability and abundance of different prey species within the eagle’s habitat. By adapting its hunting strategies and prey preferences, the Eastern Imperial Eagle is able to thrive in a variety of environments across its range.
Conclusion
The Eastern Imperial Eagle is a highly adaptable predator with a diverse diet that includes small mammals, waterfowl, and carrion. Its hunting techniques and prey preferences can vary significantly by region, allowing the eagle to exploit a wide range of resources and thrive in different environments. Understanding the Eastern Imperial Eagle’s dietary habits is crucial for conservation efforts and ecosystem management.
References:
– European Raptors. (n.d.). Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) – Key Facts To Know. Retrieved from https://europeanraptors.org/eastern-imperial-eagle/
– BirdLife International. (2022). Aquila heliaca. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved from https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-3.RLTS.T22720459A22720460.en
– Demerdzhiev, D., Boev, Z., Dobrev, D., Terziev, N., Nedyalkov, N., Stoychev, S., & Petrov, T. (2022). Diet of Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) in Bulgaria. Biodiversity Data Journal, 10, e77746. https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.10.e77746
– Animalia. (n.d.). Eastern Imperial Eagle – Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio. Retrieved from https://animalia.bio/eastern-imperial-eagle?environment=207
– NCBI. (2022). Diet of Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquilaheliaca) in Bulgaria – NCBI. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8763811/
– Thai National Parks. (n.d.). Eastern imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca) – Thai National Parks. Retrieved from https://www.thainationalparks.com/species/eastern-imperial-eagle
