Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus · Bird, Vertebrate, Warm-blooded, Wild
Animal Family
Accipitridae, order Accipitriformes, class Aves
Animal Category
Bird of Prey
Breed / Variety
Nominate subspecies Haliaeetus leucocephalus leucocephalus
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern with a stable to increasing population trend, protected heavily under federal laws such as the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
About This Creature
Large raptor with a distinctive white head and tail contrasting with a dark brown body. Females are noticeably larger than males. Body length ranges from 70 to 102 cm, wingspan from 1.8 to 2.3 meters, and weight from 3 to 6.3 kg.
Physical Characteristics
Powerful hooked yellow beak, sharp piercing yellow eyes with a formidable supraorbital ridge giving a stern expression, feathered white head and neck, dark brown body plumage, strong yellow legs with large talons adapted for grasping slippery fish
Behavior & Temperament
Solitary or in long-term breeding pairs, diurnal activity pattern, highly territorial, communicates with high-pitched cackling or whistling calls, performs elaborate aerial courtship displays, builds massive stick nests known as eyries
Habitat & Diet
Origin Region
North America, including Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico
Habitat
Forest, Wetland/Marsh, Coastal, and Freshwater (River/Lake); Aerial and Terrestrial
Diet & Nutrition
Carnivore primarily feeding on fish, but also opportunistically consuming waterfowl, small mammals, and carrion using soaring and diving techniques
Lifespan & Health
Lifespan in the wild is typically 15 to 20 years, up to 30 or more years in captivity. Subject to diseases like West Nile virus and lead poisoning from scavenging ammunition
Special Characteristics
National bird and symbol of the United States, exceptional visual acuity allowing them to spot prey from miles away, formidable apex predator
Ecological Information
Apex predator positioned at the top of the aquatic and terrestrial food webs, helps maintain the health of fish and wildlife populations by preying on the weak or sick