Tawny eagles, also known as Aquila rapax, are large birds of prey that are known to have a diverse diet, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. While there is no specific data on tawny eagles preying on foxes, it is plausible that they might do so, given their hunting habits and the fact that other eagle species, such as golden eagles, have been known to eat foxes.

Tawny Eagles and Their Hunting Habits

Tawny eagles are known to be opportunistic hunters, with their diet varying depending on the availability of prey. They are capable of hunting a wide range of prey, including small to medium-sized mammals, birds, reptiles, and even carrion. Their hunting strategy typically involves soaring high above the ground and then swooping down to capture their prey.

Foxes as Potential Prey for Tawny Eagles

Image source: Tawny Eagle by Bernard DUPONT

While there is no direct evidence of tawny eagles preying on foxes, it is possible that they may do so in certain circumstances. Foxes are medium-sized mammals that are known to be preyed upon by larger birds of prey, such as golden eagles. In a study on golden eagle diet in the central-eastern Italian Alps between 1984 and 1989, foxes contributed 4% of the diet. Similarly, a literature review of superpredation in four large European birds of prey found that all the papers they found on Golden eagle diets had some mention of fox, but they made up only just over 2% of the combined diets.

The Food Stress Hypothesis and Tawny Eagles

The food stress hypothesis suggests that when preferred prey is in short supply, predators are forced to broaden their diet to include prey they wouldn’t normally bother with. In areas where preferred prey for tawny eagles is scarce, they may turn to other sources of food, including foxes, to meet their nutritional needs.

Factors Influencing Tawny Eagles’ Diet

Several factors can influence the diet of tawny eagles, including:

1. Prey Availability: The availability of preferred prey, such as small to medium-sized mammals, birds, and reptiles, can significantly impact the diet of tawny eagles.

2. Habitat and Ecosystem: The specific habitat and ecosystem in which tawny eagles live can also influence their diet, as the availability of different prey species may vary.

3. Hunting Strategies: Tawny eagles’ hunting strategies, such as their ability to soar high above the ground and swoop down to capture prey, can also determine the types of prey they are able to successfully hunt.

4. Competition and Predation: Tawny eagles may also need to adapt their diet to avoid competition with other predators or to avoid becoming prey themselves.

Conclusion

While there is no specific data on tawny eagles preying on foxes, it is plausible that they might do so, given their hunting habits and the fact that other eagle species have been known to eat foxes. Tawny eagles are opportunistic hunters, and their diet varies depending on the availability of prey. In areas where preferred prey is scarce, they may broaden their diet to include predators such as foxes.

References:
– Wildlife Online – Red Fox Predators
– Britannica – Eagle
– Wikipedia – Wedge-tailed Eagle