Are Eagles Omnivores? [Get a Scoop on Eagle’s Diet and Eating Habits]

The eagle is one of the world’s most iconic birds, known for its regal bearing, fierce hunting skills, and majestic wingspan. But what about their diet? Are eagles really omnivores?

Eagles are raptors and eat meat, fish, eggs, and sometimes fruits. They hunt prey and scavenge food, meaning they can technically be classified as omnivores.

While eagles may be considered omnivores, there’s a variation in their diet depending on the species and region. Below we’ll explore facts about the eagle’s diet and eating habits.

What Are Eagles Actually – Omnivores or Carnivores?

Eagles have been observed to eat both meat and plant-based food. This means that they can technically be classified as omnivores. 

These raptors typically hunt and consume small mammals, reptiles, and fish, but they also have been known to eat eggs, fruits, nuts, and berries. 

So while eagles may lean towards eating meat, they can adapt to their environment and consume food from multiple sources, meaning they’re both carnivores and omnivores.

This wide variety of food sources explains why eagles are found in diverse habitats. They live in deserts, mountains, grasslands, forests, wetlands, and even coastal areas.

Eagles, like Bald Eagles, are opportunistic eaters, meaning they feed on whatever is available in their environment since they’re predators and scavengers.

Do All Eagles Eat Meat?

Not all eagles eat meat; some species are omnivorous, meaning they eat plants, fruits, insects, fish, and meat. 

The type of food an eagle consumes depends on its species and the resources available in its environment.

The most common eagle type is the Bald Eagle, which primarily eats fish and other aquatic animals such as ducks, shellfish, and muskrats. 

Other eagles, such as the Golden Eagle, have a more varied diet, including small mammals like rabbits, reptiles, and even rodents. 

In some areas, eagles have adapted to scavenging for food or taking advantage of food sources created by humans. 

These eagles may eat carrion, roadkill, or garbage. However, most eagles will still prefer fresh food sources when possible.

What’s the Eagle’s Favorite Food?

Generally, the eagle’s favorite food is what’s readily available and easily accessible. 

Eagles are opportunistic hunters and will eat whatever food is available. Generally, they prefer larger prey like squirrels, fish, prairie dogs, reptiles, rodents, and other birds. 

These animals make up the bulk of an eagle’s diet in many parts of the world. Eagles also enjoy eating wild turkeys, ducks, geese, and hummingbirds.

Eagles have incredible vision, allowing them to spot small animals from a great distance. They also hunt using their powerful beaks and talons to snatch prey.

Do Eagles Eat other Birds?

Yes, eagles eat other birds; sometimes, the prey may be their own or related species. Eagles also hunt birds such as geese, doves, ducks, hummingbirds, and chickens. 

Eagles only hunt smaller birds if they cannot locate larger prey. They use the smaller birds as an emergency food source when the larger game is unavailable.

Eagles hunt by chasing and catching flying birds, perching on a high branch, and using their sharp eyes to scan the area, searching for prey. 

Some eagle species use the element of surprise by hiding in trees and then ambushing unsuspecting birds as they fly by.

However, eagles don’t typically hunt other raptors or large birds, such as hawks or vultures, as they’re dangerous and can defend themselves and even attack an eagle if threatened.

Do Eagles Eat Carrion?

Yes, eagles are known to eat carrion (dead animals). Carrion is one of the most important sources of food for them. 

Eagles will scavenge carcasses from other predators or find carcasses left behind by hunters. 

They also feed on sick or injured animals and often return to the same carcass for multiple meals.

Eagles can feed on various dead animals, including fish, birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and large mammals such as deer and elk.

Generally, carrion is an important part of an eagle’s diet because it helps them to stay well-nourished while they focus on hunting live prey.

What Kind of Food Do Eagles Avoid?

Although eagles are generally opportunistic eaters, they tend to avoid certain types of food, depending on the species, availability, and particular needs.

For example, eagles avoid eating spoiled or rotten food. They have very sensitive taste buds and can detect the difference between fresh and spoiled food. 

Eagles may also avoid any food contaminated with human-made toxins or pollutants. 

Eagles also avoid certain prey animals, like those with spines or horns, due to the risk of injury.

What do Baby Eagles Eat?

Baby eagles, or eaglets, typically start off eating a diet that consists primarily of small fish, insects, and rodents. 

As they grow, they consume larger prey such as squirrels, rabbits, snakes, mice, and small birds. 

The eaglets’ parents provide food for them until they’re old enough to hunt and scavage food for themselves. 

In addition, young eagles are often fed regurgitated food from their parents, which mostly include eggs and eggshells from other bird species.

The parents closely monitor the diet of baby eagles to ensure they get the proper nutrition.

Eagle parents also ensure their young stay away from dangerous food sources containing bacteria or toxins.

How Much Food do Eagles Need to Survive?

To survive, an adult eagle needs to eat about 0.5 pounds (250 grams) of food daily, which is about 2-4% of its body weight. 

Since eagles need to consume large amounts of food each day, they must spend a significant amount of time hunting for food.

The size and type of prey they hunt will depend on the size of the eagle and the region they live in. 

Smaller eagles may only take down small animals, such as rodents or fish, while larger eagles can hunt larger animals, such as small deer, foxes, or even other birds.

Eagles are also opportunistic hunters and often scavenge for food if they can’t find other sources. 

The fact that eagles can feed on carrion means that an eagle can survive on a much smaller amount of food than most raptors since they can supplement their diet with carrion.

Eagles often regurgitate bones and fur from their meals to ensure their bodies get all the necessary nutrients. 

This helps them digest their food more efficiently and ensures they get all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

What do Eagles do if Food is Scarce?

When faced with a food shortage, eagles take a few measures to survive. When food is scarce in winter, eagles rely heavily on carrion and scavenging for meals. 

They also search for frozen ponds and lakes where they can fish for food. 

Eagles will also hunt small mammals, such as rabbits, hares, and birds, to meet their feeding needs. In extreme cases, eagles may migrate to find food if necessary. 

As eagles can cover long distances by flight, they’ll travel between wintering and breeding grounds searching for ample resources and favorable environmental conditions.

Eagles can also eat plant-based food when there’s a shortage of food. This gives them the essential nutrients and energy needed to thrive during difficult times.

In times of food shortage, eagles can consume berries, fruit, nuts, and other vegetation types. 

Some eagles also scavenge human-made food sources, such as refuse and garden vegetables, to survive.