ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the competition and conflicts between eagles and other avian and mammalian predators. These relations are largely based on the size and strength of the species involved, and their consequent rivalry for apex predator status. Eagles have no serious avian rivals, as they exceed the largest hawks, falcons and owls in size, with mostly superior size in beaks and talons, and they generally take larger prey than other raptors. Large hawks may challenge smaller eagles in predatory actions. Eagles, when scavenging part time, are easily dominant over the Cathartid vultures, even the huge condors, but are less dominant over the larger Accipitrid vultures, due to the latter’s more eagle-like strength and anatomy compared with the more stork-like Cathartid vultures. Predatory mammals, such as canids and felines, including domestic dogs, foxes, coyotes, jackals, wolves, bobcats, servals, caracals, lynxes, ocelots and even cougars and leopards may also challenge eagles, the most dangerous for eagles being felines, which are tougher than canids, possibly due to their sharp, retractile claws, their tree-climbing ability and their maneuverability. Larger eagles such as the Golden eagle are capable of killing wolves but may also be killed by these animals.
