Golden Eagles are carnivorous birds of prey that primarily feed on small mammals such as prairie dogs, hares, rabbits, ground squirrels, or marmots. However, they are opportunistic hunters and may also consume fish, birds, and reptiles. A fully-grown golden eagle requires about 230 to 250 g (8.1 to 8.8 oz) of food per day.
The Staple Prey of Golden Eagles
Golden Eagles are known to hunt a variety of small mammals as their primary source of food. These include:
| Prey Species | Percentage of Diet |
|---|---|
| Prairie Dogs | 20-30% |
| Hares | 15-25% |
| Rabbits | 10-20% |
| Ground Squirrels | 10-15% |
| Marmots | 5-10% |
Golden Eagles are skilled hunters and can exert approximately 440 pounds per square inch (3 MPa) of pressure with their talons, allowing them to easily subdue these small mammalian prey.
Opportunistic Feeding Habits
While small mammals make up the bulk of the Golden Eagle’s diet, these birds of prey are also known to be opportunistic hunters. They will readily consume:
- Fish
- Birds (including larger species like cranes and geese)
- Reptiles
This adaptability allows Golden Eagles to take advantage of a wide range of available food sources, ensuring they can meet their daily caloric needs.
Hunting Strategies
Golden Eagles are known to employ a variety of hunting strategies to capture their prey. One of their most notable techniques is hunting in pairs, with one eagle chasing the prey towards the other. This coordinated approach allows them to achieve a hunting success rate of around 20%.
In addition to their skilled hunting, Golden Eagles are also known to scavenge carrion, especially during the breeding season when their food demands are higher.
Dietary Variation Across Regions
The dietary habits of Golden Eagles can vary depending on the local availability and abundance of prey species. In regions with a diverse range of small mammals, Golden Eagles may feed on a broader variety of prey, with studies showing an average of 3.57 species in a single nest.
However, in areas with fewer native land mammals, such as on islands, Golden Eagles have been known to prey on domesticated animals that have returned to a feral state. This adaptability allows them to thrive in a wide range of environments.
Comparison of Dietary Breadth
Interestingly, the dietary breadth of Golden Eagles is generally greater in Eurasia than it is in North America. In North America, eagles often only need to hunt two or three species throughout the nesting cycle, while their Eurasian counterparts may have a more diverse diet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Golden Eagle is a highly adaptable and opportunistic predator, with a diverse diet that primarily consists of small mammals, but also includes fish, birds, reptiles, and even larger prey when available. Their hunting strategies, such as coordinated pair hunting, and their ability to scavenge carrion, allow them to thrive in a variety of environments. Understanding the dietary habits of these magnificent birds of prey is crucial for their conservation and management.
References:
- Animalia.bio, “Golden Eagle – Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio,” [Online]. Available: https://animalia.bio/golden-eagle.
- Wikipedia, “Dietary biology of the golden eagle – Wikipedia,” [Online]. Available: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dietary_biology_of_the_golden_eagle.
- American Eagle Foundation, “Golden Eagle Diet,” [Online]. Available: https://eagles.org/what-we-do/educate/learn-about-eagles/golden-eagle-diet/.
