How does an eagle catch mice? - briefly
Eagles detect rodents with sharp eyesight, then launch a rapid, steep dive that closes the gap in milliseconds. Their talons clamp onto the mouse, delivering a swift kill before the prey can escape.
How does an eagle catch mice? - in detail
Eagles rely on acute vision to locate rodents. Their eyes resolve prey up to several hundred meters away, detecting movement and contrast against the ground. Visual cues trigger a rapid assessment of distance and trajectory.
Once a target is identified, the bird positions itself at a suitable altitude, often a few dozen meters above the ground. A brief, silent glide minimizes wind noise and reduces the chance of alerting the mouse. The eagle then initiates a steep dive, aligning its body with the prey’s projected path.
During the dive, the talons are extended and locked in a ready position. At the moment of contact, the talons close with a force exceeding 300 N, gripping the mouse’s torso. The sharp, curved claws penetrate the fur and skin, preventing escape.
After securing the prey, the eagle delivers a swift bite to the neck, severing the spinal cord and ensuring immediate death. The carcass is then carried aloft or dropped to a perch, where the bird uses its beak to tear flesh from bone.
Successful captures depend on open hunting grounds, such as grasslands or agricultural fields, where rodents are abundant and visibility is high. Dawn and dusk provide optimal lighting conditions, enhancing visual contrast while reducing competition from other predators.