Hawks are predatory birds, known for their sharp eyesight and hunting skills. While there are many species of hawks, they all share similarities, including their diets. Although the actual menu may vary, all hawks are carnivores, which means they eat other animals. Today, we’ll explore the question: do hawks eat possums?
The answer? Yes, hawks do sometimes eat possums. Hawks are opportunistic feeders, who will eat any food that they can catch. While a possum’s large size may act as a deterrent, hawks still prey on them.
Here are a few more interesting facts about hawks and possums.
Do Hawks Hunt Possums?
As stated above, hawks do hunt possums. Typically, hawks prefer to eat smaller meals that they can easily overpower. However, if a hawk is hungry enough, it may take down a possum.
Hawks typically hunt during the day, so if you see a hawk hunting at night, it may be going after a possum. Possums are nocturnal animals, so they are more active at night. Hawks that hunt at night may be more likely to eat a possum than those that hunt during the day.
What Type Of Hawk Eats Possums?
Here are some types of hawks that do eat possums:
1. Buteo Swainsoni
The Buteo swainsoni is a species of hawk that is known to eat possums on occasion. This type of hawk is found in the western United States and Canada. Buteo swainsoni typically prey on small mammals such as rodents or hares, but they will also eat larger prey items such as rabbits, squirrels, and even possums.
2. Parabuteo Unicinctus
The Parabuteo unicinctus, otherwise called the single bird, is one more sort of falcon that has been known to eat possums. This type of bird of prey is tracked down in North and South America. Like the Buteo swainsoni, the Parabuteo unicinctus regularly goes after little vertebrates like rodents or rabbits. Be that as it may, they will likewise eat bigger prey things like bunnies, squirrels, and possums.
3. Geranoaetus Melanoleucus
The Geranoaetus melanoleucus is the dark-chested scavenger bird, a sort of hawk that is tracked down in South America. This type of falcon commonly goes after little vertebrates like rodents or birds. Be that as it may, they will moreover eat bigger prey things for example reptiles, creatures of land and water, fish, and even possums.
4. Spizaetus Tyrannus
The Spizaetus Tyrannus, also known as the black-and-white hawk-eagle, is a type of hawk that is found in Central and South America. This species of hawk ordinary prey on small mammals such as rodents or birds. However, they will also eat larger prey items such as reptiles, amphibians, fish, and even possums.
5. Harpyhaliaetus Solitarius
The Harpyhaliaetus solitaries generally called the single hawk, is a commonly spotted bird of prey tracked down in Central and South America. This kind of hawk normally goes after little well-evolved creatures like rodents or birds. They also eat bigger prey things like reptiles, creatures of land and water, fish, and even possums.
Do Hawks Eat Baby Possums?
Typically, hawks don’t eat baby possums, yet there are a few examples where they will. On the off chance that a falcon is hunting around evening time, it may feel inclined to go after a baby possum. Given that baby possums are little and easier to bring down, they make great prey for these raptors.
Do Hawks Eat Dead Possums?
If the opportunity arises, hawks will absolutely eat dead possums. Hawks prefer live prey, but given that they’re also scavengers, hawks eat dead animals when available.
In conclusion, do hawks eat possums? The answer is yes, but it is not common. There are a few occasions where hawks do eat possums, yet it is not normal. Hawks in Montana like to eat birds and insects.
On the off chance that you’re wondering whether or not a hawk will eat a possum, the response is ordinarily no. Hawks lean towards more modest prey that they can bring down without any problem.