<P> Behind fish, the next most significant prey base for bald eagles are other waterbirds . The contribution of such birds to the eagle's diet is variable, depending on the quantity and availability of fish near the water's surface . Waterbirds can seasonally comprise from 7% to 80% of the prey selection for eagles in certain localities . Exceptionally, in the Greater Yellowstone area, birds were eaten as regularly as fish year - around, with both prey groups comprising 43% of the studied dietary intake . Preferred avian prey includes grebes, alcids, ducks, gulls, coots, herons, egrets, and geese . Bird species most preferred as prey by eagles tend to be medium - sized, such as western grebes (Aechmophorus occidentalis), mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and American coots (Fulica americana) as such prey is relatively easy for the much larger eagles to catch and fly with . American herring gull (Larus smithsonianus) are the favored avian prey species for eagles living around Lake Superior . Larger waterbirds are occasionally prey as well, with wintering emperor geese (Chen canagica) and snow geese (C. caerulescens), which gather in large groups, sometimes becoming regular prey . Other large waterbirds hunted at least occasionally by bald eagles have included common loons (Gavis immer), great black - backed gulls (Larus marinus), sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis), great blue herons (Ardea herodias), Canada geese (Branta canadensis), brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis), and fledging American white pelicans (P. erythrorhynchos). Colony nesting seabirds, such as alcids, storm petrels, cormorants, northern gannets (Morus bassanus), terns and gulls, may be especially vulnerable to predation . Due to easy accessibility and lack of formidable nest defense by such species, bald eagles are capable of preying on such seabirds at all ages, from eggs to mature adults, and can effectively cull large portions of a colony . </P> <P> Along some portions of the North Pacific coastline, bald eagles which had historically preyed mainly kelp - dwelling fish and supplementally sea otter (Enhydra lutris) pups are now preying mainly on seabird colonies since both the fish (possibly due to overfishing) and otters (cause unknown) have had precipitous population declines, causing concern for seabird conservation . Because of this more extensive predation, some biologist have expressed concern that murres are heading for a "conservation collision" due to heavy eagle predation . Eagles have been confirmed to attack nocturnally active, burrow - nesting seabird species such as storm petrels and shearwaters by digging out their burrows and feeding on all animals they find inside . If a bald eagle flies close by, waterbirds will often fly away en masse, though in other cases they may seemingly ignore a perched eagle . If the said birds are on a colony, this exposed their unprotected eggs and nestlings to scavengers such as gulls . Bird prey may occasionally be attacked in flight, with prey up to the size of Canada geese attacked and killed in mid-air . Unprecedented photographs of a bald eagle unsuccessfully attempting to prey on a much larger adult trumpeter swan (Cygnus buccinator) in mid-flight were taken recently . While adults often actively prey on waterbirds, congregated wintering waterfowl are frequently exploited for carcasses to scavenge by immature eagles in harsh winter weather . Bald eagles have been recorded as killing other raptors on occasion . In some cases, these may be attacks of competition or kleptoparasitism on rival species but ended with the consumption of the victim . Raptorial birds reported to be hunted by these eagles have included large adults of species such as red - tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) and black (Coragyps atratus) and turkey vultures (Cathartes aura). </P> <P> Mammalian prey includes rabbits, hares, ground squirrels, raccoons (Procyon lotor), muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus), beavers (Castor canadensis), and deer fawns . Newborn, dead, sickly or already injured mammals are often targeted . However, more formidable prey such as adult raccoons and subadult beavers are sometimes attacked . In the Chesapeake Bay area, bald eagles are reportedly the main natural predators of raccoons . Where available, seal colonies can provide much food . On Protection Island, Washington, they commonly feed on harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) afterbirths, still - borns and sickly seal pups . On San Juan Island in Washington, introduced European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), mainly those killed by auto accidents, comprise nearly 60% of the dietary intake of eagles . In landlocked areas of North America, wintering bald eagles may become habitual predators of medium - sized mammals that occur in colonies or local concentrations, such as prairie dogs (Cynomys) and jackrabbits (Lepus). Together with the golden eagle, bald eagles are occasionally accused of preying on livestock, especially sheep (Ovis aries). There are a handful of proven cases of lamb predation, some of specimens weighing up to 11 kg (24 lb), by bald eagles but they are much less likely to attack a healthy lamb than a golden eagle and both species prefer native, wild prey and are unlikely to cause any extensive detriment to human livelihoods . There is one case of a bald eagle killing and feeding on an adult, pregnant ewe (then joined in eating the kill by at least 3 other eagles), which, weighing on average over 60 kg (130 lb), is much larger than any other known prey taken by this species . </P> <P> Supplemental prey are readily taken given the opportunity . In some areas reptiles may become regular prey, especially warm areas such as Florida where reptile diversity is high . Turtles are perhaps the most regularly hunted type of reptile . In coastal New Jersey, 14 of 20 studied eagle nests included remains of turtles . The main species found were common musk turtles (Sternotherus odoratus), diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) and juvenile common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina). In these New Jersey nests, mainly subadult and small adults were taken, ranging in carapace length from 9.2 to 17.1 cm (3.6 to 6.7 in). Snakes are also taken occasionally, especially partially aquatic ones, as are amphibians and crustaceans (largely crayfish and crabs). </P>

Is the bald eagle a predator or prey
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