Birds of prey, also known as raptors, are fascinating creatures that capture the imagination. There are many species of raptors around the world, each with unique adaptations that enable them to be successful hunters. One of the most remarkable abilities that some raptors possess is the ability to plunge into water to catch prey. So which birds of prey actually exhibit this diving behavior?
Osprey
One of the most widely known birds of prey that dives into water is the osprey. Ospreys are large raptors that are found on every continent except Antarctica. They live in coastal areas and build large nests near water sources. Ospreys feed exclusively on live fish, which they adeptly catch by diving into water feet-first. Their powerful, curved talons help them catch fish as large as themselves from the water. Once caught, they will fly back to their perch and eat the fish head-first. Ospreys have numerous physical adaptations that aid their fishing abilities. Their reversible outer toe allows them to grasp fish more securely. They also have spicules on the soles of their feet which help them grip slippery fish. A special gland secretes oil that coats their feathers, helping reduce drag when diving into the water. Even their vision is adapted to improve their underwater hunting – ospreys have the ability to constrict their pupils to a slit shape which helps filter out water reflections. Thanks to these adaptations, ospreys are supremely equipped for their role as fishing raptors.
Bald Eagle
The bald eagle is another very well-known raptor of North America. As the national symbol of the United States, bald eagles are beloved birds. Bald eagles are opportunistic hunters and scavengers, feeding on everything from fish and small mammals to carrion. A less widely known fact is that bald eagles will also swoop down and grab fish straight from the water. They typically hunt for fish while soaring overhead, but are capable of diving in talons-first to snatch prey. Bald eagles have rough scales on their feet called spicules that help them grasp slippery fish. They may also strafe the water with their wings to harass and herd fish before plunging in. Bald eagles are most likely to feed on fish from the surface rather than diving deeply below. Their broad wingspan is not conducive to deep diving, so they are best suited to skimming the water’s surface for accessible prey.
Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon is a crow-sized raptor found on every continent except Antarctica. They are renowned as the fastest animal on earth when diving for prey. Peregrines will target other birds in mid-flight, accelerating to over 200 mph when swooping down on their prey. However, peregrines are also capable of diving into water for prey. When hunting waterfowl, they will plummet feet-first into water to catch swimming ducks and other water birds. Their long, pointed wings enable them to dive quickly and efficiently. Peregrines have also been known to immerse themselves completely in water to pursue submerged prey. They are fierce and relentless when pursuing prey, even diving fully underwater to continue the chase. Thanks to their aerial speed and dexterity, peregrines are successfully able to hunt prey on land, air and water.
Fish Eagles
Fish eagles are large eagles that live near waterways and coastlines and feed primarily on fish. There are several species of fish eagle worldwide, including the bald eagle and African fish eagle. Fish eagles exhibit a range of fishing behaviors and adaptations. The African fish eagle is specially adapted for hunting fish. They have reversible outer toes and scales on their feet for grasping slippery prey. Their wings are rounded and broad, which reduces drag when diving for fish. African fish eagles will wade into shallow water then dive in to catch fish swimming close to the surface. The gray-headed fish eagle is another fish-hunting specialist. It snakes its head and neck into the water to catch hidden fish. Some other fish eagles, like the bald eagle, are more likely to snatch fish from the surface while flying or perching rather than plunge diving.
Northern Goshawk
The northern goshawk is a stocky forest-dwelling raptor found across northern North America, Europe and Asia. Northern goshawks mainly target small birds and mammals as prey. However, they are also capable opportunistic hunters and have been observed swooping down to grab unsuspecting ducks from ponds. They will plunge feet-first into water to catch swimming waterfowl near the surface. Their short broad wings provide maneuverability to quickly dive down on prey. Goshawks have fierce predatory instincts and will pursue prey on land, air and water. Though not specifically adapted for fishing like some other raptors, goshawks are bold and skilled hunters that can successfully take aquatic prey.
Black Kite
The black kite is a medium-sized raptor found across Australasia, Asia and Europe. They occupy various habitats from grasslands to forests to coastal areas. Black kites are opportunistic foragers and have a diverse diet including small vertebrates, eggs, carrion and insects. They are accomplished hunters and will swoop down to snatch prey from trees, ground or water. Black kites have been observed diving feet-first into ponds and rivers to catch fish. Their slender, pointed wings allow them to plunge swiftly to grab prey. They also harass and chase fish, herding them into shallower water to catch them more easily. Though not specialized fishers, black kites are intelligent hunters that are capable of adapting their tactics to aquatic environments.
Snail Kite
One raptor that is a fishing specialist is the snail kite. Found in freshwater wetlands in the Americas, snail kites feed almost exclusively on apple snails. Snail kites have several key adaptations that help them extract snails from the water. They have a sharply curved beak perfect for pulling snails from their shells. Their toes are extra long and curved to more easily grasp and carry heavy snails. Snail kites even have a specially modified toe that allows them to skewwer snails’ flesh while flying off with the shell. Hunting by sight, snail kites will fly over water looking for snails then swiftly swoop down and plunge their beaks into the water to grab exposed snails. The snail kite is a unique raptor exquisitely adapted for gathering its slippery aquatic prey.
Conclusion
Raptors occupy almost every type of habitat and have adapted to hunt all sorts of prey, including fish and other aquatic animals. Species like ospreys and fish eagles exhibit specific adaptations suited for hunting underwater prey. Other opportunistic raptors like peregrine falcons and northern goshawks use their speed and power to plunge into the water to take aquatic prey when available. Even if not specifically adapted for diving, many intelligent raptors demonstrate the ability to successfully catch fish and waterbirds from rivers, lakes and coastal waters when the chance arises. So while specialized fishing birds like herons and kingfishers frequent water habitats, a variety of birds of prey have also evolved to take advantage of aquatic food sources through their ingenious hunting skills.