Eagles are among the most recognizable apex predators, distributed across diverse habitats on nearly every continent. As large birds of prey, their impressive size and formidable hunting capabilities lead to curiosity about their diet. The question of whether these raptors prey on small mammals like rabbits and bunnies is common, reflecting interest in the feeding habits of these powerful avian hunters. A closer look at the typical prey of different eagle species helps to clarify their role in various ecosystems.
The Primary Prey Profile of Eagles
The diet of an eagle depends on its species and geographic location, though their size allows them to target medium-sized vertebrates. Bald Eagles, for example, are frequently found near water and primarily subsist on fish. They are also opportunistic, readily consuming carrion or occasionally hunting waterfowl and small mammals like squirrels or rabbits when fish access is limited.
In contrast, the Golden Eagle is a bird of open country and mountainous terrain, with a diet focused on terrestrial prey. These raptors are active predators that rely less on scavenging than their aquatic counterparts. Their preferred meals include medium-sized mammals, such as marmots, ground squirrels, and members of the rabbit and hare family.
Rabbits and Hares as Eagle Prey
The answer to whether eagles eat bunnies is yes, particularly for Golden Eagles, for whom lagomorphs (rabbits and hares) are a dietary staple. Their reliance on these animals is due to the ecological overlap between the open habitats preferred by Golden Eagles and the territories of these ground-dwelling mammals. Studies of Golden Eagle diets show that rabbits and hares form the largest percentage of their consumed biomass.
Eagles distinguish between smaller, burrowing rabbits and larger, surface-dwelling hares, such as the jackrabbit. Hares are often the favored prey because their size provides a greater caloric return for the energy spent on the hunt. Hares tend to rely on speed and camouflage in open environments rather than retreating into underground warrens, making them more visible and accessible targets for a soaring eagle.
An eagle’s ability to successfully hunt lagomorphs is also a function of the prey’s size relative to the bird’s carrying capacity. Golden Eagles can lift prey weighing up to half their own body weight. A typical rabbit or hare weighing between three to six pounds is a manageable meal to capture and transport. This combination of availability, visibility, and suitable size solidifies the rabbit and hare family as a substantial food source for terrestrial eagles.
Hunting Strategy and Prey Capture
Eagles employ hunting techniques to capture quick, ground-dwelling prey like rabbits and hares. The process begins with the raptor soaring at high altitudes, taking advantage of its exceptional eyesight to spot movement on the ground below. Once a target is identified, the eagle initiates a high-speed dive known as a stoop, reaching speeds that can exceed 150 miles per hour.
This rapid descent is designed to surprise and incapacitate the prey almost instantly upon impact. They strike with powerful feet and large, curved talons, which are capable of exerting hundreds of pounds of pressure per square inch. For prey that attempts to flee, the eagle adjusts its trajectory to a diagonal attack and may engage in a short ground pursuit to secure the catch.
Successful capture relies on the physical strength of the eagle, especially the grip of its talons to subdue the animal. While the initial strike is meant to kill or stun, the powerful talons ensure a secure hold necessary for carrying the prey away. Because eagles have a maximum carrying weight limit of around three to four pounds, they must quickly dispatch the animal or sometimes consume it at the capture site if the prey is too heavy to lift.