Wildlife Information - Bald Eagle
Physical Characteristics
The bald eagle measures 3 to 3½ feet in length (from head to tail) and weighs 8 to 14 pounds. It has a wingspan of 6½ to 8 feet allowing it to glide effortlessly at altitudes of 1,000 feet. A mature bald eagle is dark brown with a white head and tail. Its eyes and beak are bright yellow. The feet of a bald eagle have talons especially designed for catching prey. It has telescopic vision that is eight times greater than ours.
Home Range
The bald eagle has a home range of 4 to 300 square miles.
Feeding Behavior
The strongest bird of prey, the bald eagle is an opportunistic carnivore that uses its powerful talons to kill its prey. Fish make up 90 percent of its diet. It feeds from the air by swooping down to the water below and snatching the fish with its talons.
Geographic Location
Unique to the North American continent, the bald eagle was once found throughout most of the United States and Canada. However, years of habitat loss, pesticide-related pollution, poaching, and lead poisoning drastically reduced population numbers. By 1970, there were less than 3,000 birds nationwide, down from an estimated 75,000. In 1967, the bald eagle was placed on the Endangered Species List and DDT, a pesticide that was a primary culprit, was banned. Today, the population has recovered and is no longer considered endangered.
Habitat
The bald eagle prefers forested areas near water, including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.
Reproduction
Mating occurs sometime between March and July. The bald eagle pair mates for life. The female produces 1-3 eggs and both the male and female share incubation duties. After a 35-day incubation period, the eaglets hatch, each weighing 4 ounces and covered with gray down, which is soon replaced by feathers. After 10-12 weeks, eaglets are ready to leave the nest.
Did You Know?
- In 1782, the bald eagle was chosen as the national symbol of the United States.
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