White-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) are large birds of prey found in coastal and freshwater habitats across Europe and Asia. They primarily feed on fish and birds, with pike being their favorite species of fish. When it comes to swimming, white-tailed eagles are not natural swimmers. However, they have been observed “swimming” fish to shore if they catch a fish that is too heavy to fly with.
White-Tailed Eagles’ Unique Feeding Method
White-tailed eagles have a unique feeding method. They use trees, crags, and hillocks as perches to make shallow aerial dives, taking fish from the littoral zone (the upper two meters of water). Occasionally, they will plunge into the water from a height of up to 200 meters, but they prefer not to get their feathers wet. This is because their feathers are not well waterproofed, making them vulnerable to having their prey stolen by other animals if they get wet.
“Swimming” Fish to Shore
Image source: white tailed eagle by Andreas Weith
If a white-tailed eagle catches a fish that is too heavy to fly with, it will “swim” the fish to shore by holding it in its talons and using its wings to propel itself through the water. This is not a natural swimming motion for the bird, but rather a means of transporting its catch.
Reasons for “Swimming”
There are a few reasons why white-tailed eagles may “swim” fish to shore:
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Prey Too Heavy to Fly: If the fish caught by the eagle is too heavy for it to fly with, the eagle will resort to “swimming” the fish to shore.
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Feathers Not Well Waterproofed: As mentioned earlier, the feathers of white-tailed eagles are not well waterproofed, making them vulnerable to having their prey stolen by other animals if they get wet. By “swimming” the fish to shore, the eagle can avoid getting its feathers wet.
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Conserve Energy: Transporting a heavy fish through the water may require less energy than trying to fly with it, especially if the eagle has already expended a lot of energy in the hunt.
Observations of “Swimming”
White-tailed eagles have been observed “swimming” fish to shore in various locations across their range. For example, in the coastal regions of Norway, researchers have documented white-tailed eagles using this behavior to transport their catch.
Comparison to Natural Swimmers
While white-tailed eagles are not natural swimmers, there are other bird species that are much more adept at swimming. For instance, waterfowl like ducks and geese have webbed feet and a more streamlined body shape that makes them better suited for swimming. Additionally, some seabirds like penguins and cormorants are excellent swimmers, using their wings to propel themselves through the water.
Conclusion
In summary, white-tailed eagles are not natural swimmers, but they have been observed “swimming” fish to shore if they catch a fish that is too heavy to fly with. This behavior is a unique adaptation to their feeding method and the fact that their feathers are not well waterproofed. While they may not be as skilled at swimming as some other bird species, white-tailed eagles have found a way to transport their heavy prey to shore using their wings.
References:
– The White-Tailed Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) – Avibirds.com
– Wildlife on the Isle of Skye. Sea Eagle | Whales | Puffins
– Facts, pictures & more about Sea Eagle – Oceanwide Expeditions
– White-tailed Eagle – Haliaeetus albicilla – Birds of the World.
