Predation of turtles by bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in the Southeastern United States

Abstract

Understanding complete ecological roles of species requires insight into various predator-prey relationships. Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) have been documented to consume a variety of species, including turtles. The ground beneath eight bald eagle nests located in Alabama and Tennessee were searched during the 2016, 2017, and 2018 nesting seasons for discarded turtle remains. Six turtle genera were documented, but the most abundant turtle genera observed were Graptemys and Sternotherus. Most remains were juveniles or adult males; however, the Sternotherus remains could have been adult males or females. The distance of the eagle nest to the nearest major waterway appeared to influence whether Graptemys or Sternotherus was the major turtle prey observed. The presence of different contaminants in these turtle species should be examined to determine if they potentially contribute to biomagnification in bald eagles.