BALD EAGLE
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
DESCRIPTION
The Bald Eagle is a bird of prey found in North America, recognized for its white head and tail contrasting with a dark brown body. It is a symbol of strength and freedom, often associated with the United States.
FUN FACTS
- Bald Eagles can see four to five times better than humans | They can fly at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour when carrying prey | The Bald Eagle was chosen as the national bird of the United States in 1782
QUICK INFO
Lifespan20-30 years in the wild
Average Weight3-6.3 kg
Average Length70-102 cm
Diet TypePiscivore
Social Structurepair, typically monogamous and often seen in mated pairs during breeding season
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonWinter to early spring (November to July)
- Habitat
- Bald Eagles inhabit areas near large bodies of open water with abundant food supply and old-growth trees for nesting. They prefer habitats that provide both hunting grounds and safe nesting sites.
- Biomes
- Wetlands, Temperate Forests, Coastal
- Native Range
- Bald Eagles are native to North America, ranging from Alaska and Canada down to northern Mexico.
- Continent
- North America
- Countries
- United States, Canada, Mexico
- Diet
- Bald Eagles primarily feed on fish, but they also consume birds, small mammals, and carrion. They are known for their impressive hunting skills and can often be seen fishing near large bodies of water.
- Diet Type
- Piscivore
- Favorite Food
- fish
- Social Structure
- pair, typically monogamous and often seen in mated pairs during breeding season
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-2
- Territorial
- 1
LC
3-6.3 kg
Weight
70-102 cm
Length
- Coloration
- dark brown body with a white head and tail, yellow beak and feet
- Sexual Dimorphism
- females are generally larger than males
- Lifespan
- 20-30 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 1-3
- Sexual Maturity
- 4-5 years
- Breeding Season
- Winter to early spring (November to July)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The Bald Eagle population has recovered significantly since the 1970s due to conservation efforts.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 300,000
- Population Trend
- Increasing
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction, lead poisoning from ingested spent ammunition, and environmental contaminants. Conservation efforts have helped mitigate some of these threats.
- Conservation Program
- Bald Eagle Recovery Program
- Predators
- great horned owls, human activities
- Defense Mechanisms
- Bald Eagles use their size and strength to defend their nests and young, and they can be aggressive when threatened.
- Compatible Animals
- none
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon