Page "Golden Eagle" Paragraph 26

Numerous other types of prey may supplement the diet.

Reptiles are rarely taken over most of the range but prey such as large snakes and lizards appears to be fairly common in the southern reaches of its Asian range, as well as in Japan and in desert-like regions of central Eurasia.

In southeastern Europe, Turkmenistan and other arid regions, tortoises are a favored prey item.

Tortoises are dispatched using the same method employed by the Lammergeier ( Gypaetus barbatus ), which consists of flying with the bulky reptile and dropping it from some height onto rocks or other hard surfaces so the shell will crack open and its flesh can be eaten.

Other secondary prey items may include amphibians, fish ( which are eaten regularly in Southeast Asia but are usually scavenged ) and even insects such as large beetles.

During winter months, when live-caught prey can be scarce, Golden Eagles often scavenge on carrion.