What do bald eagles eat

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Bald eagles are magnificent birds of prey that are widely known as one of the symbols of the United States. They are found in North America, from Alaska and Canada down to the northern parts of Mexico. As apex predators, bald eagles have a varied diet that is largely dependent on their environment and the availability of prey.

Bald eagles are carnivorous and primarily eat fish, which makes up about 70-90% of their diet. They are opportunistic hunters and will take advantage of any available food source, including carrion (dead animals), waterfowl, and small mammals. Bald eagles are also known to steal food from other birds, such as ospreys and gulls.

Bald eagles are excellent hunters and have several adaptations that help them catch fish. They have powerful talons that they use to grab their prey out of the water, and their sharp beak helps them tear the flesh from the fish. Bald eagles also have a special gland above their eyes that helps protect their eyes from the glare of the sun when they are hunting over water.

Bald eagles are typically found near bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and coastlines, where they can find an abundant supply of fish. They are known to hunt for fish near the surface of the water, where they can easily spot their prey. Bald eagles will often perch in trees near the water’s edge, waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and catch a fish.

In addition to fish, bald eagles will also eat small mammals, such as rabbits, squirrels, and muskrats. They have been known to hunt waterfowl, such as ducks and geese, as well as seabirds, such as gulls and cormorants. Bald eagles are also scavengers and will feed on carrion, such as dead fish or animals.

Bald eagles are at the top of the food chain and have few natural predators. However, they can fall victim to other birds of prey, such as great horned owls and golden eagles. Young bald eagles are also vulnerable to predation by animals such as coyotes and raccoons.

In conclusion, bald eagles are magnificent birds of prey that primarily feed on fish. They are skilled hunters with adaptations that help them catch their prey, and they are also opportunistic feeders that will take advantage of any available food source. Bald eagles play an important role in their ecosystem and are a symbol of freedom and strength.