Bald Eagle Bird Facts (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Bald Eagle is an imposing raptor, easily recognized by its dark brown body and wings contrasting with a bright white head and tail. Its large, hooked yellow beak and powerful yellow talons are distinctive features, complemented by piercing pale eyes.

Females are larger than males and may be as much as a third larger than males; other than that, both sexes share identical plumage.

Adult plumage is achieved at about five years of age. Juveniles are mostly dark brown with mottled white undersides and lack the iconic white head and tail, gradually developing adult coloration over time.

Size

Length

70cm to 102cm

Wingspan

180cm to 244cm

Weight

3kg to 6.3kg

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Brown White

Beak Colour

Yellow

Leg Colour

Yellow

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Bald Eagle can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Bald Eagle is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Bald Eagle can be found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Bald Eagle can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Bald Eagle is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Bald Eagle is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Bald Eagle is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Bald Eagle is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Bald Eagle is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Bald Eagle is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Bald Eagle is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Bald Eagle is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Bald Eagles inhabit various aquatic ecosystems, including coastal areas, lakes, and rivers across North America. They are found from Alaska and Canada to Florida and parts of the Gulf of Mexico.

In the United States, they are most abundant in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. During winter, many northern birds migrate south to areas with open water, concentrating in large numbers where fish or waterfowl are plentiful.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 2,000 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subarctic

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Bald Eagle. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons

Resident

Breeding

Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Canada Mexico Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season

United States of America

Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range

Belize Bermuda Ireland Puerto Rico Russia US Virgin Islands

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Bald Eagle demonstrates remarkable agility in flight, particularly when fishing. Its ability to swoop down and snatch fish from the water's surface with precision, as well as perform spectacular aerial courtship displays, indicates high manoeuvrability and control.

Strength 90

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

With a grip ten times stronger than an adult human and the ability to carry prey weighing up to half its body weight, the Bald Eagle possesses formidable strength. Its powerful talons and large size contribute to its position as a top predator.

Adaptability 80

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Bald Eagles show considerable adaptability in their diet and habitat choices. They can thrive in various aquatic ecosystems from sea level to 2,000 metres elevation, and their opportunistic feeding habits, including kleptoparasitism, demonstrate flexibility in securing food.

Aggressiveness 75

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

While not typically aggressive towards humans, Bald Eagles display assertive behaviour in defending their territories and nests. Their willingness to steal food from other birds and their position as apex predators suggest a moderate to high level of aggression when necessary.

Endurance 88

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The Bald Eagle's ability to soar for extended periods, migrate long distances, and withstand harsh weather conditions in their northern ranges indicates high endurance. Their long lifespan of 20-30 years in the wild, and 48 years in captivity, also suggests robust physical resilience.

Diet

Bald Eagles primarily feed on fish, which they catch with their talons by swooping down to the water's surface. They also prey on waterfowl and small mammals and occasionally scavenge carrion.

Bald Eagles feed on the following prey animals:

Salmon, Shad, Catfish, and other fish species are eaten dead or alive
Bald Eagles often hunt water birds like geese, coots, and even herons
They occasionally hunt rabbits, ground squirrels, and other small mammals, and Bald Eagles will feed from larger animal carcasses like deer

Their opportunistic nature allows them to steal food from other birds, a behavior known as kleptoparasitism.

Behaviour

Bald Eagles are often seen soaring on thermal currents with their wings held flat, scanning for prey. They're known for their impressive fishing technique, swooping down to snatch fish from the water's surface with their talons.

These birds are generally solitary but may gather in groups at abundant food sources or during migration. At night, these birds roost in large trees within a few miles of their hunting grounds.

Vocalisation

Despite their fierce appearance, Bald Eagles have a surprisingly high-pitched voice. Their call is a series of high, clear piping notes, often described as a weak screaming 'kee-kee-kee'.

During courtship, pairs may perform a spectacular cartwheel display with loud calling.

Nesting & Breeding

Bald Eagles typically form long-term pair bonds and return to the same nesting territory each year. Breeding season varies by region but generally occurs from late winter to early spring.

Nests are massive structures built of sticks, often in tall trees near water. They can reach 8 feet wide and weigh up to a ton. The female usually lays 1-3 white eggs.

Both parents incubate the eggs for about 35 days. The young fledge at 10-12 weeks but may remain learning to hunt and fly with their parents for several more weeks.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern ^[1]

Once endangered due to DDT use and habitat loss, Bald Eagles have made a remarkable recovery thanks to conservation efforts.

They were removed from the US Endangered Species List in 2007. However, they still face threats from lead poisoning, habitat degradation, and human disturbance.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

200,000 mature individuals ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

Look for Bald Eagles near large bodies of water, especially during winter months when they congregate.
Scan tall trees along shorelines for perched eagles or large stick nests.
Observe their distinctive flight pattern: steady wingbeats with soaring on flat wings.
In the US, popular viewing spots include Alaska, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Mississippi River.

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

American Eagle

Family:

Accipitridae

Average Lifespan

20 to 30 years

Max Lifespan

48 years ^[4]

Predators

Adult Bald Eagles have few natural predators, but their eggs and young are vulnerable to raccoons, bears, and other birds of prey.

Did You Know?

Bald Eagles can spot a fish up to a mile away.
Their grip is about ten times stronger than an adult human's.
The 'bald' in their name comes from an old English word meaning 'white-headed', not hairless.
They can live up to 48 years in captivity.

References

1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Haliaeetus leucocephalus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22695144A93492523.
View source
2
website, 2022: Partners in Flight
View source
4
journalArticle, 2006: Kohler et al., Comparative mortality levels among selected species of captive animals, Dem Res, 15:413-434