Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Least Concern

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Animalia

Abundance: Common

Habitat: Forest, Wetland

Activity: Diurnal (Active during day)

Lifespan: 15-20 years

A strikingly handsome bird of prey that is the only eagle native solely to North America. Living inland along rivers and large lakes, the Bald Eagle has been the U.S. national bird since 1792. It is about 40 in. long with a wingspan of 6½ ft. They are dark brown with a white head and tail and yellow beak, eyes, and feet. Bald eagles snatch fish at the water surface and steal fish from osprey. Following a dramatic decline caused by pesticides in the mid 1900’s, the Bald Eagle is making a slow, steady comeback. Though still protected in the U.S., it is no longer considered an endangered species.

Diet

An opportunistic carnivore feeding mostly on fish

Activity Pattern

Diurnal (Active during day)

Kingdom: Animalia

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Phylum: Chordata

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Class: Aves

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Order: Accipitriformes

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Family: Accipitridae

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Genus: Haliaeetus

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Species: Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Scientific Name

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Common Name

Bald Eagle

Nesting Season

Starting in mid-February

Lifespan

15-20 years

Behavior

Bald eagles are often solitary, although they pair bond during the nesting season. However, groups of bald eagles may be seen in areas with ample prey and they may roost communally in large groups of up to 400 individuals. Their wings are powerful, although bald eagles often choose to soar using slow, heavy wing beats, which allow them to travel far distances. When walking, bald eagles are somewhat awkward, rocking their bodies as they move. Bald Eagles are powerful fliers—soaring, gliding, and flapping over long distances. In one of several spectacular courtship displays, a male and female fly high into the sky, lock talons, and cartwheel downward together, breaking off at the last instant to avoid crashing to earth.

Activity Pattern

Diurnal (Active during day)

Habitat Types

Forest

Wetland

Geographic Distribution

Bald eagles are found throughout North America, near large water sources. These birds are native to Canada, the United States, portions of Mexico and several islands including Saint Pierre and Miquelon. Populations are especially concentrated in Florida, Alaska, the Pacific Northwest and near some rivers and lakes in the Midwest.

Local Abundance

Common

Conservation Status

Least Concern

This species is widespread and abundant. No immediate threat to survival.

How You Can Help

Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
Support habitat conservation efforts
Follow guidelines when observing wildlife

Additional Notes

The Bald Eagle call commonly heard in pop culture and media is actually the call of the Red-Tailed Hawk

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