Bald Eagle

[Haliaeetus leucocephalus]

The bald eagle is 30 to 31 inches in length and weighs 8 to 14 pounds. An eagle's wingspan is 6 to 7 feet. Adults (5-6 years) have a white head and white tail. Its distinguishing feature is its orange/yellow very deep and arched bill. The rest of the body is blackish. They have yellow feet with sharp black talons. Females are larger than males. Young birds lack the white head and tail, but have a larger wingspan and longer tail than do mature birds. The voice is squeaky cackling.

Migratory routes are chosen to take advantage of thermals, updrafts and food sources. Eagles congregate in winter to hunt and roost. Within a roost a hierarchy develops, the oldest and most aggressive eagles occupying the highest perches. Eagles hunt by swooping either from flight or perch, or while wading from shore, grabbing prey with either the bill or talons.

Bald is a synonym for white, not hairless, in this case. Only Alaska and Florida have sizable populations, with a median life span of 20 years.

Location: Wolf Wilderness Lodge

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Range

The range of the bald eagle is the Aleutians, Alaska, parts of northern and eastern Canada, northern U.S. and Florida


Habitat

Bald Eagles inhabit areas around lakes, rivers, marshes and seacoasts.


Conservation Status
Least Concern
Primary Threats
Human Wildlife Coexistence
Gestation

Incubation: 34-37 days


Litter

2-3eggs


Behavior

The Bald Eagle is a powerful flyer using migratory routes to take advantage of thermals, updrafts and food sources. Bald eagles congregate in winter to hunt and roost. Within a roost a hierarchy develops, the oldest and most aggressive eagles occupying the highest perches. Winter roosting sites are usually among tall conifers that are protected from prevailing winds. Eagles hunt by swooping either from flight or perch, or while wading from shore, grabbing prey with either the bill or talons. They may sit for hours at a vantage point over shallow water, waiting for a fish to rise. They swoop to grab it, barely getting their feet wet. They will also attack diving birds. Fish or birds that are too heavy are towed to shore over the water's surface.


Reproduction

Breeding bald eagles are territorial, defending the nest area from intrusion by other bald eagles. They prefer to build nests in the crotch of trees sheltered from the elements. Breeding occurs after maturity, at 4 to 6 years.They mate for life and will use the same nest each year. Tree-top nests are built of sticks, hay, moss and sod. They may weigh as much as 1000 pounds and be 4-8 feet in diameter. Eagles attain sexual maturity at 5 years. While both sexes participate in incubation, the female takes the larger share during the day. The young stay in the nest for about 10-12 weeks.


Wild Diet

Fish (dead or alive) is the preferred choice, but will eat small mammals or waterfowl. They are opportunistic feeders.


Zoo Diet

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