The Golden Eagle is a majestic and powerful raptor, recognized for its impressive hunting abilities and widespread presence across the Northern Hemisphere. This large bird of prey inhabits diverse landscapes, from mountainous regions to open plains. As an apex predator, it plays a significant role in its ecosystem.
Primary Prey
Golden Eagles primarily hunt medium-sized mammals and birds, which constitute the bulk of their diet. In North America, species like rabbits and ground squirrels are frequently consumed, with mammals making up around 84% of their diet. Other targeted mammals include marmots, prairie dogs, foxes, martens, and young deer or goats. They also prey on birds like grouse, pheasants, and other raptors.
Jackrabbits and ground squirrels are consistently significant prey, with leporids (rabbits and hares) comprising about 32% of known prey across their range. In certain areas, such as Washington, yellow-bellied marmots can become the main prey, accounting for a substantial portion of the diet. A single adult Golden Eagle needs approximately 230 to 250 grams of food daily, illustrating the consistent demand for these primary prey sources.
Diverse Dietary Habits
Beyond their primary prey, Golden Eagles exhibit adaptable and opportunistic dietary habits, consuming a broader range of food sources. They hunt smaller mammals like mice and voles, along with reptiles such as snakes and lizards. While less common, insects and fish are also occasionally part of their diet, particularly if locally abundant. This dietary flexibility allows them to survive in varied environments and during different seasons.
Golden Eagles are also known for their scavenging behavior, consuming carrion, especially during periods when live prey is scarce or challenging to hunt. Carrion can become a significant portion of their diet in winter, when many ground-dwelling prey animals hibernate or are at lower population levels. They will even follow other scavengers like crows to carrion, asserting their dominance to claim the food source.
Hunting Techniques
Golden Eagles employ various hunting techniques to secure their prey. They often begin by soaring at high altitudes, utilizing their exceptional vision to scan vast areas for potential targets. Their eyesight is estimated to be four to eight times stronger than that of a human, enabling them to spot prey from considerable distances. Once prey is sighted, they can execute a swift dive known as a “stoop,” reaching speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. This rapid descent allows them to surprise prey and strike with immense force, often resulting in an instant kill.
They also engage in perch hunting, observing their surroundings patiently from elevated vantage points like cliffs or tall trees. From these perches, they launch quick attacks, using their powerful talons to grasp and subdue their catch. Golden Eagles are also observed cooperative hunting, where a pair might work together. One eagle may flush out prey, driving it towards its partner who waits in ambush, increasing their success rate. Their powerful talons and hooked beaks are their primary tools, allowing them to exert pressure to immobilize prey and tear flesh.