Predation of full-grown Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is relatively uncommon (Todd 1940, Stalmaster 1987, Buehler 2000, Wheeler 2003). Although multiple avian and mammalian predators consume Bald Eagle eggs, nestlings, and… Click to show full abstract
Predation of full-grown Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is relatively uncommon (Todd 1940, Stalmaster 1987, Buehler 2000, Wheeler 2003). Although multiple avian and mammalian predators consume Bald Eagle eggs, nestlings, and even fledglings (Broley 1947, Hensel and Troyer 1964, McKelvey and Smith 1979, Mabie et al. 1994, Doyle 1995, Perkins et al. 1996, Buehler 2000, Wheeler 2003), few species are capable of preying on healthy immature or adult individuals (Buehler 2000). As a result, larger Bald Eagles are rarely susceptible to natural predators unless injured, diseased, incapacitated from chemical poisoning (e.g., pesticides, lead), or in poor body condition (e.g., starvation) (Mineau et al. 1999, Buehler 2000, Wayland et al. 2003). Bald Eagles and American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) are sympatric throughout much of the southeastern United States and often share wetland foraging habitat (Stalmaster 1987, Buehler 2000, Elsey and Woodward 2010). Both species are opportunistic feeders, and their food habits vary greatly based on sitespecific prey availability (Stalmaster 1987, Buehler 2000, Gabrey 2010). In general, Bald Eagles feed primarily on fish but also consume birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and crustaceans (Stalmaster 1987, Buehler 2000, Wheeler 2003, Markham and Watts 2008). Although Bald Eagles occasionally stand or wade in shallow water to catch or scavenge fish (Stalmaster 1987, Buehler 2000, Wheeler 2003), these birds usually attempt to take prey from the air or from a perch (Stalmaster 1987, Buehler 2000). Consequently, encounters between Bald Eagles and alligators are unusual, and to date none have been reported in the literature. Here, we report the first observation of Bald Eagle predation by an alligator. On 6 June 2014, at 0730 H, one of us (DD) observed a recently fledged Bald Eagle fly approximately 75 m from a 1 Email address: [email protected]
               
Click one of the above tabs to view related content.