Utilization of Benthic-Feeding Fish by Inland Breeding Bald Eagles
- 31 January 1986
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in Ornithological Applications
- Vol. 88 (1) , 35-42
- https://doi.org/10.2307/1367750
Abstract
Prey utilization was investigated at 11 Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nests in Arizona [USA] over a five-year period beginning in 1978. Visual observations of prey species delivered to the nest and those found in prey remains were in good agreement. Fish, primarily channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and other benthic-feeding fish, composed 77% of the prey items found at the nest. Diurnal timing of capture of fish was not found to vary significantly. Measurement of river-bottom profiles at 22 foraging sites yielded similar physical characteristics. Such characteristics indicate a strong relationship between river-bottom profile and acquisition of benthic-feeding fish by Bald Eagles.This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit:
- Food Habits of Bald Eagles in MaineThe Journal of Wildlife Management, 1982
- Food Consumption and Energy Requirements of Captive Bald EaglesThe Journal of Wildlife Management, 1982