Instead of devouring her for his meal, an eagle decided against hunger and instead opt for companionship by keeping his dinner rabbit for a friend.

The owner of a stall in Beizhamen Bird Market, Zhengzhou City, China, said he put the rabbit in the eagle' cage to feed the bird or prey.

However, instead of munching on the tender rabbit, the four-month old eagle made friends with the rabbit.

"The rabbit very humbly combs the eagle's feathers with its mouth," said the owner.

"The eagle is four-months-old, and I threw him the rabbit for food, but apparently he doesn't know how to enjoy his meals."