Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle

scientific name

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

size/weight/height

Bald eagles are impressive birds with a large wingspan. Females have a wingspan of 79 to 90 inches and a length of 3 feet. Males have a wingspan of 6.5 to 7.5 feet and a length of 2 to 3 feet. Bald eagles weigh 10 to 14 pounds.

coloration

Individual bald eagles may look very different from each other but in general adults have a blackish-brown back and breast, white head, neck, and tail, and yellow feet and beak.

Juveniles are mixture of brown and white with black beaks. They reach adult plumage at 6 years old.

behavior

Some bald eagles migrate, while others do not. When lakes and rivers freeze, eagles in the north tend to migrate to the coast or larger rivers, which remain unfrozen. Bald eagles build nests that typically reach 5 feet in diameter. Eagles use the same nest over several years, which can get up to 9 feet in diameter and weigh up to 2 tons. Nesting territory varies widely. They guard their territory against other eagles during nesting season. Bald eagles typically hunt alone, but can congregate at locations with plentiful food sources.

reproduction/lifespan

Eagles choose the same mate year after year, but will accept a new mate if one dies. Eggs are laid after 5 to 10 days and incubation is 35 days. 1 to 3 eggs are laid within a few days of each other. In the wild, average life expectancy is 15 to 20 years, but they can live as long as 30 years.

diet

In the wild bald eagles primarily feed on fish, like salmon, and waterfowl.

habitat/range

They are unique to North America. The primary concentration is in Alaska, but they can be found in Canada and every state in the U.S., except Hawaii.

status

Although previously on the endangered list, Bald eagles are still considered threatened because of poaching, habitat loss and injuries sustained from human encroachment, such as running into power lines.