Black eagles, also known as Verreaux’s eagles, are known for their impressive flying skills and hunting prowess, but they are also capable of swimming when necessary. When a black eagle catches a fish that is too heavy to lift, it may use its wings like oars to swim to shore, using its thick down feathers to help it float.
The Unique Swimming Abilities of Black Eagles
Black eagles are not as adept in the water as some other bird species, such as loons or anhingas, but they are still capable swimmers. Here are some key details about how black eagles swim:
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Wing-Powered Swimming: When a black eagle catches a fish that is too heavy to lift, it will grasp the fish with its talons and use its wings like oars to propel itself through the water and swim to shore.
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Thick Down Feathers: Black eagles have thick down feathers that help them float on the water’s surface, making it easier for them to swim.
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Strength and Stamina: While not as agile in the water as some other birds, black eagles are still strong swimmers and can cover significant distances if necessary.
Comparison to Other Waterbirds
Image source: Black Eagle by Mike Prince
To better understand the swimming abilities of black eagles, it’s helpful to compare them to other waterbird species:
Loons
Loons are excellent swimmers and divers, using their wings to row themselves across the water when they need to escape a situation quickly. They also have a variety of other behaviors, such as the “penguin dance” and the “foot waggle,” which serve different functions.
Anhingas
Anhingas, or “snakebirds,” are skilled swimmers and divers, with specialized muscles and a hinge in their neck that allows them to strike quickly and impale fish. They are known for their unique swimming style, with just their head and neck above the water, giving them the appearance of a snake.
Factors Affecting Black Eagle Swimming
While black eagles are capable of swimming, there are several factors that can influence their ability to do so effectively:
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Weight of Prey: The size and weight of the fish or other prey that a black eagle catches can determine whether it is able to lift the prey or if it needs to resort to swimming.
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Water Conditions: The depth, current, and other environmental factors of the water body can also affect a black eagle’s ability to swim and reach the shore.
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Individual Skill and Experience: Like any other skill, some black eagles may be more adept at swimming than others, depending on their individual abilities and experience.
Conclusion
In summary, while black eagles are not primarily known for their swimming abilities, they are capable of using their wings to propel themselves through the water and swim to shore when necessary, particularly when they have caught a fish that is too heavy to lift. Their thick down feathers help them float, and their strength and stamina allow them to cover significant distances in the water. By understanding the unique swimming abilities of black eagles, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the adaptability and versatility of these impressive birds of prey.
References:
- Fascinating Eagle FAQ | National Eagle Center, https://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/learn/faq/
- Loon Behavior – Loon Preservation Committee, https://loon.org/about-the-common-loon/loon-behavior/
- Eagle Flight and Other Myths, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildlifenews.view_article&articles_id=343
- Get to Know the Anhinga, or ‘Snakebird’ | Audubon, https://www.audubon.org/news/get-know-anhinga-or-snakebird
