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The American Bald Eagle Habits
A brief summary of the this birds nesting, feeding, and mating habits follow: DescriptionFull grown these birds weigh 9-12 pounds and have a wing span of up to 8 feet. A very large dark bird with a white head and white tail. Length between 35-40 inches.This makes them one of the largest birds in North America. Females are larger than males. Bald Eagles residing in the northern United States are larger than those that reside in the south. Bald Eagles have a life span of up to 40 years in the wild, and even longer in captivity. These birds are at the top of the food chain, and can be an indicator of the health of our ecological system. After significant population declines, Bald Eagles were listed as an endangered species in 1978. By 1995 their status was upgraded to Threatened. It continues to be protected under the Endangered Species Act, the Bald Eagle Protection Act, and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. On June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress adopted what was called the American eagle as our national emblem. Bald Eagle Feeding HabitsEagles can fly up to 30 m.p.h. and can dive at speeds up to 100 m.p.h.. Their keen eyesight allows them to spot fish at distances up to a mile. Bald Eagles catch their prey in their talons and carry it off, and are able to lift about 4 pounds. Living near large bodies of open water such as lakes, marshes, seacoasts and rivers, where there are plenty of fish to eat and tall trees for nesting and roosting. Bald Eagles have a presence in every U. S. state except Hawaii. Bald Eagle Mating, Nesting HabitsMonogamous and mating for life. A Bald Eagle will only select another mate if its companion should die.A Massive platform nest of sticks and vegetation lined with moss and grasses is placed on cliff ledge or in the fork of a tree. Usually, 10-180 ft. high. Nest are added to each year and can become quite large. Some nests reach sizes of more than 10 feet wide and can weigh several tons. When a nest is destroyed by natural causes it is often rebuilt nearby. Eagles lay from 1 to 3 eggs between late May and early June. After 34-36 days incubation, the young birds emerge. Eaglet feeding and brooding are performed by both adults. (male and female) It will take 10-12 weeks before the young leave the nest. The young are dark brown in color and the head and tail feathers turn predominantly white in their fourth or fifth year.
Bald Eagles can be sedentary creatures, often remaining on the same perch for hours at a time, giving bird watchers a great opportunity for viewing.
Recommended Reading: Just Eagles A Wildlife Watcher's Guide More About Eagles: Back to top Bald Eagle Back to List of Birds
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Only about 50% of eaglets hatched survive the first year. Eagles migrate in winter and often roost and hunt in groups along waterways that don't freeze and have abundant food.