What Animals Are Eaten by Hawks in the Tundra? 10 Shocking Prey They Devour

The question “What animals are eaten by hawks in the tundra?” reveals an eye-opening look into one of the most unforgiving ecosystems on Earth. Hawks, especially species like the Rough-legged Hawk, dominate the skies of this icy biome. With limited food sources and extreme conditions, hawks must be adaptable predators. Their diet is both surprising and brutal, highlighting the survival tactics of these fierce raptors. Let’s dive into 10 shocking prey hawks feast upon in the tundra.

Lemmings: The Tundra’s Fast Food

Lemmings are perhaps the most common answer to what animals are eaten by hawks in the tundra. These tiny rodents are abundant during peak seasons. Hawks will swoop down in an instant, catching lemmings with precision and storing them for later. A single hawk can eat several lemmings a day when they’re plentiful. These rodents serve as a critical energy source during nesting season.

Arctic Ground Squirrels: A Meaty Meal

Another species that answers what animals are eaten by hawks in the tundra is the Arctic ground squirrel. Larger than lemmings, these squirrels provide more sustenance per catch. Their burrowing behavior makes them challenging prey, but hawks are patient and sharp-eyed hunters. Hawks often stalk the area around burrows, waiting for the right moment. Once captured, squirrels are taken to nests or consumed mid-air.

Ptarmigans: Feathers and All

Ptarmigans, relatives of grouse, are among the only birds tough enough to survive tundra winters. Ironically, they’re also on the list of what animals are eaten by hawks in the tundra. Hawks target young or unsuspecting ptarmigans using aerial ambush. Although ptarmigans can camouflage well, hawks often outmaneuver them in flight. The feathers may fly, but the hawk wins more often than not.

Voles: Hidden but Not Safe

Tundra voles live under the snow or among vegetation, but they’re still part of what animals are eaten by hawks in the tundra. Hawks have incredible hearing and vision, allowing them to detect movements under light snow. When they strike, it’s sudden and efficient. Despite their small size, voles are eaten frequently during warmer months. They help sustain hawks between larger catches.

Arctic Hares: Risky but Rewarding

You might be surprised to learn that Arctic hares are among what animals are eaten by hawks in the tundra. While hares are fast and large, juvenile ones are easy targets. A hawk must use both strength and stealth to bring down such a powerful meal. When successful, the hawk is rewarded with rich meat and fat. This is especially vital during chick-rearing season.

Ducklings: Seasonal Delights

During the short tundra summer, ducklings become vulnerable targets. These fluffy swimmers are another surprising entry in what animals are eaten by hawks in the tundra. Hawks strike when ducklings stray too far from their mothers or during nesting. While adults are harder to catch, young ducks are relatively defenseless. Hawks often raid nests when the opportunity arises.

Weasels: Predators Turned Prey

Weasels, small carnivores themselves, can ironically become victims. Their presence in this list of what animals are eaten by hawks in the tundra might seem unusual. However, hawks view anything smaller than them as fair game. A distracted or injured weasel becomes easy pickings for an alert raptor. It’s a stark reminder of the harsh food chain dynamics in tundra ecosystems.

Frogs and Amphibians: Short-Lived Snacks

Though tundra environments are mostly frozen, amphibians exist in the warmer seasons. Frogs represent one of the rarer entries in what animals are eaten by hawks in the tundra. When snow melts, ponds and wetlands emerge, revealing sluggish amphibians. Hawks use this chance to gather a protein-rich snack. These meals don’t last long but offer valuable nutrition.

Fish: An Unexpected Catch

Believe it or not, some hawks will catch small fish near tundra streams and meltwater pools. Though not a common part of what animals are eaten by hawks in the tundra, fish provide moisture and fat. Hawks that venture closer to water will snatch fish near the surface. It’s an opportunistic behavior, but one that proves how adaptive these birds can be. Every bite counts in the tundra.

Carrion: Scavenging When Times Get Tough

Not all hawk meals involve a dramatic chase. Carrion—dead animals left behind by other predators or harsh weather—is also part of what animals are eaten by hawks in the tundra. When live prey is scarce, hawks resort to scavenging. They’ll pick at remains of caribou, foxes, or even other birds. While not ideal, this meal can be the difference between life and death.

Conclusion

By exploring what animals are eaten by hawks in the tundra, we gain insight into how resilient and strategic these raptors are. From lemmings to fish and even scavenged remains, their diet is wide-ranging and often brutal. The tundra is a place where survival depends on adaptability, keen senses, and swift decisions. Hawks embody these traits perfectly, playing a vital role in keeping this fragile ecosystem in balance.