Bald Eagle

Written by: Bruce Di Labio

French: Pygargue à tête blanche

The Bald Eagle experienced serious declines in population during most of the 20th century due in part to bounties, chemical contamination (DDT) and habitat loss. Between 1917 and 1952, over 128,000 bounties were paid out in Alaska for Bald Eagle carcasses.

Since the 1980`s, the Bald Eagle population has dramatically increased. With greater environmental awareness and the banning of DDT, breeding productivity has returned to pre-DDT levels.

Selected as the emblem of the United States 1782, this majestic bird has long been a symbol of the America`s cultures.

Though majestic, the Bald Eagle is an opportunistic scavenger and often pirates food, including mammals, birds, reptiles and fish from other birds or animals. It will only capture its own prey as a last resort.

The Bald Eagle is the second largest bird of prey in North America, only surpassed by the California Condor. Adults first breed at 4-5 years of age and may mate for life.

Depending on habitat, the Bald Eagle can nest in trees (most common), on cliffs or on the ground. Nests are built by both male and female and consist of sticks lined with softer material. Nests are reused year after year and can become quite large in size. The largest nest on record, located in St. Petersburg`s, Florida, was 2.9 meters in diameter and 6.1 meters tall.

The female generally lays 2 white eggs which are incubated by both parents for a period of 34-36 days. Young take flight 10-12 weeks after birth.

Return to Bald Eagle back to Eagles

Return to Bald Eagle back to Birds of Prey

Return to Bald Eagle back to Birds of North America

Classic Collection of North American Birds

CCNAB