Bald eagles are powerful birds of prey. They are highly adaptable and opportunistic feeders, meaning their diet can vary significantly based on what food sources are readily available in their environment. While they are not particularly picky, their diet primarily consists of one type of prey.
The Primary Feast: Fish
Fish constitute the majority of a bald eagle’s diet, often making up 56% to 90% of their food intake. This preference stems from fish being an abundant and relatively easy-to-capture food source in the aquatic habitats where eagles typically reside. They consume a variety of fish species, including salmon, trout, herring, shad, flounder, and catfish. They will readily eat both live and dead fish, including those that are diseased or have washed ashore.
Eagles typically hunt fish by soaring above the water or perching on a vantage point, using their keen eyesight to spot prey near the surface. Once a fish is identified, the eagle swoops down, extending its powerful talons to snatch the fish from the water.
Beyond Aquatic Prey: A Diverse Menu
While fish are a staple, bald eagles are not limited to aquatic prey and possess a diverse and adaptable diet. They will hunt other birds, particularly waterfowl like ducks, geese, and gulls. Small mammals such as rabbits, squirrels, muskrats, and even young raccoons are also part of their diet. Reptiles like turtles and snakes, and amphibians, are consumed when available.
Carrion, or the remains of dead animals, is another significant food source for bald eagles, especially during colder months when live prey may be scarcer. They can be found feeding on roadkill, deceased marine mammals, or carcasses left by hunters.
Master Hunters: Strategies for Acquiring Food
Bald eagles employ various strategies to acquire food. Active hunting involves perching and scanning from a high vantage point or soaring high above to spot prey, then diving with impressive speed to capture it. Their exceptional eyesight allows them to identify targets from significant distances.
Opportunistic scavenging is a common and energy-efficient method, especially during winter. Younger eagles often rely on this behavior while learning to hunt. Another notable strategy is kleptoparasitism, where bald eagles steal food from other animals. They are particularly known for harassing ospreys until the smaller raptor drops its catch, which the eagle then retrieves.