Hawks are birds of prey, also known as raptors, and are known for their sharp talons, keen eyesight, and powerful hunting abilities. While often seen soaring high above, their diets and hunting behaviors are fascinating to observe up close, even in urban environments. Recently, an intriguing event unfolded in downtown Pittsburgh, offering a stark glimpse into the predatory world of hawks.
A Hawk-Eat-Hawk Encounter in Pittsburgh
Passersby in downtown Pittsburgh, near the Westin Convention Center Hotel, witnessed a dramatic scene. Mark Wolz, an employee at the hotel, captured the event in photos and reported it to the National Aviary. According to Wolz, restaurant patrons observed hawks in pursuit, culminating in a Cooper’s hawk colliding with a restaurant window. By the time Wolz arrived, a red-tailed hawk had already killed the immature Cooper’s hawk and begun to feed.
The image clearly shows the red-tailed hawk, seemingly unfazed by onlookers, consuming its prey. Red-tailed hawks typically prefer to carry their kills to a more secluded spot, like a tree, to eat. However, in this instance, perhaps due to the size of the prey or the presence of people, this hawk chose to stay put, spreading its wings in a behavior known as “mantling” to guard its meal. This posture makes the hawk appear larger and more intimidating.
After finishing its meal, the red-tailed hawk perched on a nearby streetlight. Interestingly, another hawk, described as diving like a “jet fighter,” then attacked the red-tailed hawk. This attacker’s behavior suggests it could have been a peregrine falcon, possibly from the nearby Gulf Tower, known to defend their territory against red-tailed hawks.
What Typically Makes Up a Hawk’s Diet?
While the Pittsburgh incident is unusual due to the hawk-on-hawk predation, it raises a broader question: what do hawks typically eat? Hawks are carnivorous birds, and their diets primarily consist of meat. The specific diet varies depending on the hawk species, their size, habitat, and available prey. However, common food sources for many hawk species include:
- Small Mammals: This is a staple for many hawks, including rodents like mice, voles, squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits.
- Birds: Many hawks prey on other birds, ranging from small songbirds to larger birds like pigeons, doves, and even waterfowl.
- Reptiles and Amphibians: Snakes, lizards, frogs, and toads can also be part of a hawk’s diet.
- Fish: Some hawk species, like the osprey (though not a true hawk, often grouped with them), are specialized fish eaters. Other hawks may opportunistically catch fish.
- Insects and Invertebrates: Larger hawks may eat insects occasionally, but smaller hawks, like the Sharp-shinned Hawk, might include them more regularly in their diet, especially when other prey is scarce.
- Carrion: Hawks are also known to eat carrion (dead animals), particularly in leaner times, although they primarily prefer live prey.
Red-Tailed Hawks: Diet Specifics
Red-tailed hawks, like the one in the Pittsburgh story, are generalist predators with a varied diet. They are opportunistic hunters and eat what is readily available. Their diet commonly includes:
- Rodents: Mice, rats, voles, and ground squirrels are primary food sources.
- Rabbits and Hares: These larger mammals are also frequently taken.
- Birds: While they do eat other birds, as seen in Pittsburgh, it’s not their primary prey. They will prey on pigeons, starlings, and other medium-sized birds.
- Snakes: Red-tailed hawks are known to eat snakes, including venomous species.
- Squirrels and Chipmunks: Common in urban and suburban areas, these are easy targets for red-tailed hawks.
Cooper’s Hawks: Diet and Predation
Cooper’s hawks, the victim in the Pittsburgh event, are more specialized bird hunters. Their diet mainly consists of:
- Medium-sized Birds: They are agile fliers adapted to hunting birds in wooded areas. Common prey includes robins, starlings, jays, and pigeons.
- Small Mammals: Occasionally, they will also eat small mammals like chipmunks and mice.
The fact that a Cooper’s hawk was preyed upon by a red-tailed hawk is noteworthy because, while red-tailed hawks are larger, Cooper’s hawks are typically agile predators themselves.
Why Did This Hawk Eat Another Hawk?
Hawks typically do not prey on other hawks. Such predation is rare and often occurs under specific circumstances. Several possibilities could explain why the red-tailed hawk ate the Cooper’s hawk:
- Weakened or Vulnerable Prey: The Cooper’s hawk hitting the window likely stunned or injured it, making it an easy target for the larger red-tailed hawk. Predators often target weakened or sick animals as easier meals.
- Competition and Opportunity: While not a primary food source, if a Cooper’s hawk was already injured or dead, the red-tailed hawk may have taken the opportunity to eliminate a competitor and gain a meal, especially in an urban environment where food resources might be more contested.
- Unusual Circumstances: Urban environments can create unusual interactions between wildlife. Stress, competition, and altered prey availability can lead to atypical predatory behaviors.
Conclusion
The incident in Pittsburgh offers a compelling, if somewhat unsettling, look into the natural world playing out in an urban setting. While red-tailed hawks primarily eat rodents and rabbits, this event demonstrates their opportunistic nature and the sometimes harsh realities of the food chain. Observing hawk diets and behaviors provides valuable insights into urban ecology and the fascinating lives of these powerful birds of prey.
