Crested eagles, also known as Crested Serpent-eagles (स्पिलोर्निस चीला), are known for their diverse diet that includes snakes, lizards, frogs, toads, mammals, eels, small birds, termites, and large earthworms. During the winter months, their diet may shift to accommodate the changing availability of prey in their habitat.

Crested Eagles’ Winter Diet

In colder regions, crested eagles may rely more on mammals and birds as their primary prey during the winter. These animals are more active during the day and easier for the eagles to spot from their perches. The eagles wait patiently on a perch and swoop down to snatch their prey from the ground or vegetation.

In warmer regions, such as Florida, crested eagles may include reptiles, especially turtles, in their winter diet. Studies have shown that 14 out of 20 eagle nests in coastal New Jersey included remains of turtles, with common musk turtles, diamondback terrapin, and juvenile common snapping turtles being the main species found. In Texas, softshell turtles are the most frequently taken prey, and a large number of Barbour’s map turtles are taken in Torreya State Park.

Invertebrates, such as sea urchins, chitons, mussels, and crabs, are occasionally taken by crested eagles in Alaska. Other mollusks, land snails, abalones, bivalves, periwinkles, blue mussels, squids, and starfishes, are also consumed by these birds of prey.

मैला ढोने का व्यवहार

छवि स्रोत: चार्ल्स जे. शार्प द्वारा लंबी कलगी वाला चील

Crested eagles may also scavenge on carrion, including road kills and fish killed passing through hydropower turbines. They sometimes feed in groups, although they rarely cooperate in hunting.

अनुकूलता और बहुमुखी प्रतिभा

The crested eagle’s diverse diet and adaptability to different environments allow them to thrive in various regions during the winter months. Their ability to switch between different prey types, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and invertebrates, ensures that they can find sustenance even when certain food sources may be scarce or less available.

निष्कर्ष

In summary, crested eagles have a varied and adaptable diet that allows them to survive the winter months. Their diet may shift depending on the availability of prey in their specific habitat, with a focus on mammals, birds, and reptiles in colder regions, and a greater reliance on reptiles and invertebrates in warmer areas. This versatility and adaptability are key factors in the crested eagle’s success as a predator throughout the year.

सन्दर्भ:
– Clark, W.S., J. S. Marks, and G. M. Kirwan (2020). Crested Serpent-Eagle (स्पिलोर्निस चीला), संस्करण 1.0. विश्व के पक्षियों में (जे. डेल होयो, ए. इलियट, जे. सरगाटल, डीए क्रिस्टी, और ई. डी जुआना, संपादक)। कॉर्नेल लैब ऑफ़ ऑर्निथोलॉजी, इथाका, एनवाई, यूएसए। https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.crseag1.01
– Global Raptor Information Network. 2021. Species account: Crested Serpent Eagle स्पिलोर्निस चीला. से डाउनलोड किया गया http://www.globalraptors.org on 2 Sep. 2021
– The Peregrine Fund. Crested Serpent-eagle – The Peregrine Fund. https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/eagles/crested-serpent-eagle
– Wikipedia. Bald eagle. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bald_eagle.