Birds of prey like hawks and eagles sit atop their local food chains. Their sharp talons and hooked beaks make them expert hunters. But could one mighty bird of prey make a meal out of another? If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: In some rare cases, hawks may prey on vulnerable eagle nestlings or injured adult eagles if given the opportunity.
However, a healthy adult eagle would likely fend off a hawk attack.
In this nearly 3000 word guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at the interactions between hawks and eagles. We’ll compare their size, habitat, hunting strategies and more to understand if and when hawks could eat eagles.
Comparing Hawks and Eagles
Wingspan and Weight
When it comes to wingspan and weight, hawks and eagles show some clear differences. Eagles generally have a much larger wingspan, with some species like the Steller’s Sea Eagle reaching up to 8 feet across. Hawks have a smaller wingspan, usually between 3-4 feet.
Eagles also tend to be heavier birds, with some species weighing over 10 pounds. The heavy weight bald eagle weighs 10-14 lbs, while most hawks weigh just 1-3 lbs. The larger wingspan and weight of eagles allow them to soar more efficiently and take down larger prey compared to the smaller hawks.
Habitat and Hunting Style
Hawks and eagles occupy different habitats and have varied hunting styles. Hawks are found in diverse habitats like forests, deserts and wetlands across the world. Eagles are limited to areas near oceans, lakes, and large rivers as they rely on fish and waterfowl.
When hunting, hawks mostly capture prey on the wing by swooping down from perches. Eagles are less agile but use their size and strength to snatch prey without landing. For example, bald eagles can swoop down and snatch fish weighing 3-4 lbs from the water surface.
The contrasting habitats and hunting methods help hawks and eagles to coexist successfully without competing for the same prey sources.
Talons and Beaks
The talons and beaks of hawks and eagles also differ significantly. Eagle talons are much larger and stronger to grip large prey items like fishes. Their beaks are large, hooked and designed for tearing. Hawks have relatively smaller talons useful for small mammals, birds, reptiles etc.
They have short hooked beaks ideal for plucking feathers or fur and slicing meat. For instance, the sharp, needle-like talons of a red-tailed hawk can instantly kill squirrels and rabbits. While bald eagles can carry salmon weighing 4-5 lbs easily with their vice-like gripping talons.
So the specialized talons and beak help each species thrive as predators despite variations in size and habitats.
Documented Hawk Attacks on Eagles
Nestlings and Fledglings at Risk
Eagle nestlings and fledglings are often easy targets for hawk attacks. Their youth and inexperience make them vulnerable to surprise aerial assaults. According to one Audubon report, red-tailed hawks were documented attacking and killing eaglets in Illinois and Minnesota.
Bald eagle nestlings under 3 weeks old are largely defenseless against such predation attempts.
In Alaska, northern goshawks have also been observed ambushing and killing young bald eagles near nests. One study in Auk chronicled over 12 goshawk attacks on bald eagle chicks. The aggressive goshawks dove at speeds up to 118 mph to strike their prey.
Tragically, 7 of the 12 assaults resulted in the death of the targeted eaglet.
Injured Adult Eagles Targeted
Adult eagles with existing injuries or disabilities are also vulnerable to hawk aggression. If an eagle has damaged wings or legs, it loses its aerial maneuverability advantage against smaller raptors. There are verified reports of red-tailed hawks and goshawks ambushing wounded mature bald eagles.
One particularly savage instance occurred in British Columbia, where an injured adult bald eagle was repeatedly dive-bombed by a northern goshawk. Over 7 hours, the goshawk struck and bit the handicapped eagle over 20 times until it succumbed to its injuries.
Such ruthless attacks demonstrate why even full-grown eagles try to avoid confrontations with aggressive hawk species when weakened.
Successful Defense Against Hawks
Fortunately, healthy adult bald and golden eagles can often defend themselves against hawk aggression thanks to their large size and powerful talons. If they notice a diving hawk in time, they will roll upside down and present their dangerous talons to ward off the attack.
Their thick leg feathers also help shield them from a hawk’s strikes.
Eagles have been observed successfully fending off both red-tailed hawk and goshawk attacks with such defensive maneuvers. As juveniles age and gain flight experience, they also become more adept at reacting to and evading surprise hawk strikes.
By adulthood, most bald and golden eagles have the size, speed and savvy needed to deter all but the most relentless hawk predators. Still, their nestlings remain vulnerable for several months after hatching.
Other Threats Eagles Face
Habitat Loss
One of the biggest threats facing eagles today is habitat loss. As natural areas are developed for human use, eagles are losing the space they need to nest, hunt, and raise their young. According to the National Eagle Center, an astonishing 30% of bald eagle habitat has been lost in the lower 48 states since European settlement.
This encroachment on eagle habitat makes it harder for the birds to thrive.
Eagles rely on large, mature trees near waterways for nesting and roosting. When these areas are cleared for roads, buildings, agriculture or other development, eagles can lose their nesting sites. They may be forced to nest closer to human activity, increasing the chances that their eggs or eaglets will be disturbed or killed.
Eagles also require abundant prey and space to hunt over open waters. Habitat loss concentrates eagles into smaller hunting grounds, increasing competition for food.
To protect eagle populations, it’s crucial that some areas of natural habitat be preserved, especially around shorelines. The good news is that bald eagle numbers have rebounded in recent decades thanks to habitat protections under the Endangered Species Act and banning of DDT pesticide.
However, continued habitat loss could reverse this trend.
Lead Poisoning
Another major hazard for eagles is lead poisoning, usually caused by ingesting lead shotgun pellets or bullet fragments. Eagles scavenge on carcasses shot by hunters but left behind. They also pick up discarded fishing tackle containing lead weights or sinkers.
Once ingested, even tiny amounts of lead can cause poisoning.
According to the Canadian government, as much as 15-21% of eagles suffer from lead exposure, which can hamper their growth, reproduction and even result in death. Fortunately, non-toxic alternatives like steel, tin and bismuth are now available for hunting, fishing and ammunition.
The most direct solution is legislation banning lead ammunition and tackle, which some jurisdictions have already implemented.
Clashes With Wind Turbines
The growing number of wind turbines has also emerged as a hazard for eagles. These large raptors can collide with turbine blades while hunting, soaring or even just inspecting them. According to the US Fish & Wildlife Service, wind turbines killed an estimated 134 golden eagles in 2020.
The number may seem small but could impact local populations.
To reduce eagle casualties, most modern wind farms conduct environmental surveys first to identify and avoid key flight paths near nesting areas. Turbine operators can also temporarily shut down turbines when eagles approach.
New radar and camera technology can detect incoming birds and cut power preemptively. With proper siting and mitigation measures, wind energy and eagles can co-exist with minimal harm.
The Rare Opportunity for Predation
When Eagles are Vulnerable
Eagles, being apex predators that sit comfortably at the top of the food chain, generally do not have much to fear. However, there are rare occasions where even these powerful birds of prey find themselves in precarious situations.
Eagle chicks in the nest can fall victim to predation by hawks and other birds. Unattended eggs or hatchlings may seem like easy pickings to crafty hawks seeking an opportunistic meal. Owls have also been documented preying on vulnerable eagle nestlings under the cover of darkness.
During migration is another time when eagles can be more susceptible to danger. Traveling long distances can leave them exhausted and depleted of energy. Hawks may seize this moment to ambush ailing or isolated eagles passing over their territory.
There is also evidence suggesting that eagles suffering from injury, illness or old age can become feasible targets for mid-sized raptors like hawks. Sensing weakness in an eagle that would normally dominate, an enterprising hawk may risk attack against the larger bird.
Some may even patiently trail injured eagles waiting for the perfect time to strike.
How Hawks Capitalize
When hawks square off against eagles, they use speed and aerial agility to their advantage. A hawk’s superb maneuverability makes it well-equipped to harass slower moving birds. They tend to attack from above, dealing repeated blows to the back and head.
This wears the eagle down while allowing the hawk to avoid danger.
Hawks may also mob eagles in groups, working cooperatively to distract and overwhelm a larger bird. Tag-team assaults can continue for lengthy periods as they gradually drain an eagle’s stamina. This pack strategy amplifies the hawks’ chances of landing damaging strikes.
On rare occasions, physical altercations on the ground have been chronicled between eagles and hawks. With neither having the high-ground advantage, these frays appear more evenly matched regarding size and strength.
While most evidence remains anecdotal, the notion that hawks would hunt full-grown eagles in ideal health is seen as highly improbable. Yet sightings demonstrating their willingness to exploit eagle fledglings or compromised adults continue to accumulate.
This illustrates that situation and circumstance govern predator behavior far more than size differential alone.
The Impact of a Changing Climate
Shifting Ranges
As average temperatures rise globally due to climate change, the natural ranges of many species are shifting towards higher latitudes and altitudes in pursuit of more hospitable climates. Golden eagles, majestic raptors found across much of North America, have expanded their breeding range northward in recent decades.
A 2020 study found golden eagles nesting further north in Canada as warmer weather enables expanded habitat ranges.
However, the shifting ranges caused by climate change have also brought golden eagles and red-tailed hawks, another widespread North American raptor, into greater contact and competition in overlapping habitats.
Both birds prey on small mammals and birds, and may compete directly for limited resources.
Declining Prey Populations
In addition to shifting habitats, climate change can negatively impact raptor food sources. Prolonged droughts, extreme weather events, and timing mismatches with prey reproduction cycles have led to declines in rodent, hare and even ungulate populations in western North America.
One recent analysis found that extreme drought events and heavy spring rains have reduced jackrabbit populations by an average of 35% in parts of the Great Basin region since 1990. Such declines in prey availability make survival more challenging for breeding raptors like golden eagles.
Increasing Competition
As species ranges shift and prey populations decline under climate change, direct competition between raptors for limited habitat and food resources will only increase. Red-tailed hawks are highly adaptable generalist hunters which may hold a competitive edge over the more specialized golden eagle in newly overlapping ranges.
One study in Idaho found that red-tailed hawks excluded golden eagles from the most favorable nesting habitats. More research is needed on how these two iconic western raptors will interact and compete for survival as climate pressures mount.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while hawks very rarely eat healthy adult eagles, they may opportunistically prey on vulnerable eagle nestlings or injured adults when given the chance. However, eagles face threats from many other factors like habitat loss, poisoning, and climate change impacts that are far more pressing than the occasional hawk attack.
With both hawk and eagle species facing population pressures, understanding how they interact can help inform conservation efforts for these vital apex predators.
