Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Eats

Bald Eagles are piscivorous, meaning fish make up the majority of their diet, but bald eagles will also eat birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates such as crabs, and mammals including rabbits and muskrats. They will even feed on carrion (dead animals).

Lives

Bald eagles are throughout North America. They live close to large, open bodies of water. They typically nest in large, mature trees, as well as cliffs and manmade structures. Nests can reach 10 feet in diameter and weigh half a ton.

Behavior

A powerful flier and fishing bird. They can dive at speeds of 75-99 mph, but often soar more than fly. Their eyesight is 4 times more sharp than a humans. They are monogamous, meaning they remain with their mate until one dies, then the remaining one will find a new mate.

Description

Adult Bald Eagles have dark brown feathers covering their body. The feathers on the head and tail are white. They have a distinctive yellow beak and feet. Immature bald eagles are mostly brown and with some mottled white, they develop their adult coloring at around the age of 5 years old.

Did you Know?

Our non-releasable bald eagles, Elsie and Elenor, came to us after each sustained an injury in the wild that required the amputation of the lower portion of one wing.

How can I Help?

The Bald Eagle is currently listed as least concern due to diligent conservation efforts. When fishing, reduce use of lead weights, as oftentimes eagles that come in for rehabilitation have lead poisoning from eating fish full of lead.

Least Concern
Least Concern
Near Threatened
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Vulnerable
Endangered
Endangered
Critically Endangered
Critically Endangered
Extinct in the Wild
Extinct in the Wild
No items found.

Stay Connected