Are Eagles Scavengers?
Eagles are scavengers. Widely regarded as a graceful, noble creature, carnivorous eagles do scavenge for food. Although eagles are fast fliers and notably capable as hunters, they are very opportunistic feeders.
Jump Ahead
- The Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle Are Scavengers
- What Do Eagles Eat?
- What Do Eagles Scavenge?
- Resources
The Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle Are Scavengers
There are more than 60 different species of eagles worldwide, but two are the most common in North America. The bald eagle, the national bird, and a native of North America, and the golden eagle, the largest bird of prey in North America. Both of these species are scavengers. [1]
What Do Eagles Eat?
Fish, such as salmon and trout, are the preferred food choices of the eagle, but these fish do not have to be alive to entice scavenging eagles. During colder months, when fish and even waterfowl are not easily accessible, eagles scavenge more than usual. They will scavenge any dead carcass and are even known to steal a fresh kill from other predators. [2]
What Do Eagles Scavenge?
Eagles are opportunistic feeders, which means they will eat practically anything they can catch. One such opportunity they take advantage of is the brown bears’ salmon leftovers, one of the eagle’s favorite delicacies. The brown bears expend energy hunting for the fish, devouring their eggs, brains, and skin. [3] After the bears throw the remainder of the fish onto the water’s edge, eagles swoop in to consume the rest. [4] Eagles have been seen eating animals that were struck on the highway, such as deer and elk. A washed-up seal or otter carcass is another meal it won’t pass up. Eagles have even been spotted scouting out landfills. [5]
Are All Eagles Carnivores?
Not all eagles are solely meat-eating hunters. Some are omnivores, such as the Palm-nut Vulture of Africa. Though it will consume meat, this bird feeds primarily on the fruits of different palm trees. Interestingly, this eagle is also a scavenger. [6]
Resources
- [1] National Geographic – “Pictures of Eagles from Around the World.“
- [2] Oceana.org – Marine Life Encyclopedia – Sea Birds – “Bald Eagle.“
- [3] San Diego Zoo – “Brown Bear.“
- [4] National Audobon Society – “An Alaskan Mine Threatens the Site of the World’s Largest Gathering of Bald Eagles.“
- [5] [6] The Peregrine Fund – “Palm-nut Vulture.“
