Food habits of Bald Eagles breeding in the Arizona desert

Abstract

Of 1814 foraging attempts, prey captures, or nest deliveries by Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in 14 Arizona breeding areas during 1983-1985, 1471 observations were identifiable to at least class: fish (76%), mammal (18%), bird (4%), and reptile/amphibian (2%). Forty-five species were recorded: catfish (Ictalurus punctatus, Pylodictis olivaris), suckers (Catostomus insignis, C. clarki), and carp (Cyprinus carpio) were most common. Mean population dietary heterogeneity was 2.03 (SD = 0.43). During 1983-1985, 22 successful sites had a wider dietary breadth than nine unsuccessful ones (3.73 vs 1.92). Fish and mammal classes varied by month (P < 0.001) and breeding area (P < 0.001) and were negatively correlated (R = -0.993, P = 0.001). Of 484 discrete foraging locations, only four (

Citation

Grubb, Teryl G. 1995. Food habits of Bald Eagles breeding in the Arizona desert. Wilson Bulletin. 107(2): 258-274.