Bald eagles are opportunistic feeders, which means they will eat a variety of foods. Their diet is mainly fish, but they will also eat small mammals, birds, reptiles, and carrion.
Fish: Fish are the most important food source for bald eagles. They typically eat fish that are 1-3 pounds in weight, but they have been known to eat fish as large as 10 pounds. Bald eagles will often soar over bodies of water, looking for fish to catch. When they spot a fish, they will dive into the water and grab it with their talons.
Small mammals: Small mammals, such as rabbits, squirrels, and marmots, are also a common food source for bald eagles. Bald eagles will often catch small mammals by swooping down and grabbing them with their talons. They will also sometimes eat the young of larger mammals, such as deer and elk.
Birds: Bald eagles will also eat other birds, such as ducks, geese, and swans. They will typically catch these birds by flying up behind them and grabbing them with their talons. Bald eagles will also sometimes eat the eggs of other birds.
Reptiles: Reptiles, such as snakes and turtles, are also a food source for bald eagles. Bald eagles will typically catch these reptiles by flying down and grabbing them with their talons. They will also sometimes eat the young of reptiles, such as baby turtles.
Carrion: Bald eagles will also eat carrion, which is dead animals. They will typically eat carrion that has been killed by other animals, such as wolves or bears. Bald eagles will also sometimes eat carrion that has died of natural causes.