White-tailed eagles, also known as sea eagles, are versatile predators that consume a variety of prey, with fish being their primary food source. During the breeding season, they require a significant amount of food to support their chicks, with daily food requirements estimated at 500-600 g (1.1 to 1.3 lb) for captive birds and 1.3-2.6 kg (2.9-5.7 lb) for wild families with fledglings.
Dietary Preferences of White-Tailed Eagles
White-tailed eagles have a diverse diet that includes:
- Fish
- Birds
- Mammals
- Carrion
Fish tend to be their primary food source, which they catch by grabbing in a shallow dive after a short flight from a perch or by plunging into the water from a height of at least 200 m (660 ft). They are also known to hunt birds, with a preference for sick and injured waterbirds, and scavenge carrion.
Feeding Frequency During Breeding Season
Image source: white tailed eagle by Andreas Weith
During the breeding season, white-tailed eagles require a significant amount of food to support their chicks. Studies have estimated that:
- Captive white-tailed eagles require 500 to 600 g (1.1 to 1.3 lb) of food per day, which is equivalent to about 10% of their body weight.
- In Norway, a family of wild white-tailed eagles, including each adult and three fledglings, were consuming 1.3-2.6 kg (2.9-5.7 lb) of food per day.
To meet these high demands, white-tailed eagles may feed their chicks multiple times per day during the breeding season.
Feeding Frequency in Non-Breeding Seasons
In non-breeding seasons, white-tailed eagles may feed less frequently, as the availability of food sources may be more variable. They are opportunistic feeders and will take advantage of available food sources when they can.
Factors Affecting Feeding Frequency
The frequency of feeding for white-tailed eagles can vary depending on several factors:
- Food Availability: The availability of their preferred prey, such as fish and waterbirds, can significantly impact the frequency of their feeding.
- Time of Year: During the breeding season, when they need to provide for their chicks, white-tailed eagles may feed more frequently than in non-breeding seasons.
- Environmental Conditions: Factors like weather, water conditions, and habitat changes can affect the availability and accessibility of their prey, influencing their feeding frequency.
Conclusion
White-tailed eagles are opportunistic predators that consume a diverse range of prey, with fish being their primary food source. During the breeding season, they require a significant amount of food to support their chicks, with daily food requirements estimated at 500-600 g (1.1 to 1.3 lb) for captive birds and 1.3-2.6 kg (2.9-5.7 lb) for wild families with fledglings. The frequency of their feeding can vary depending on factors such as food availability, time of year, and environmental conditions.
References:
– Wikipedia. White-tailed eagle. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-tailed_eagle
– RSPB. New study shows White-tailed Eagles in Scotland do not rely on lambs for breeding season diet. https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/white-tailed-eagle-diet/
– Discover Wildlife. White-tailed eagle guide: what they eat, why they went extinct in the UK, and where they’ve been reintroduced. https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/birds/facts-about-white-tailed-eagles/
– Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation. White-tailed Eagle. https://www.roydennis.org/animals/raptors/sea-eagle/
