Bald Eagle
Latin Name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Species: Birds
Conservation Status: S3 - Vulnerable
Bald eagles have a white head and tail and have brown bodies and wings. Their long, hooked bills are yellow, along with their eyes and feet. Bald eagles are typically 27-37 inches in length, weigh 105-222 ounces, and have a wingspan of 80 inches. Immature bald eagles have a mostly dark head and wings. Their wings and bodies are mottled with white and remain in this plumage until reaching adulthood at 5 years.
Range & Habitat (map)
Bald eagles are found throughout the continental U.S., most of Canada and Alaska, and in northern Mexico. Northern bald eagles will migrate south in the fall when lakes and rivers begin to freeze. Bald eagles live near lakes, reservoirs, rivers, marshes, and coasts with suitable forested habitat or cliffs for nesting.
Diet
Bald eagles primarily eat fish, but will also eat reptiles, invertebrates, mammals, and even other birds. They will feed on animals that are alive or dead.
Life History
In South Carolina, they return to the same nesting territory year after year. Nest sites are typically tall, sturdy conifers that reach above the forest canopy. Both males and females contribute to nest construction, with the females doing most of the material placement. Nest can take up to 3 years to build. Bald eagles build some of the largest nests, being 5-6 feet in diameter and 2-4 feet tall. Their clutch size ranges from 1-3 eggs and they have 1 brood a year, typically in winter. Incubation is about 5 weeks with young remaining in the nest for 10-12 weeks. After fledging, the young will remain in the territory for another 4 weeks relying on their parents for food.
Significance
As a national symbol for the U.S., bald eagles are an important icon seen throughout the country. They also represent an important conservation success story. After their numbers were almost depleted in the mid-1900s, people began to take notice. Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring” recognized the impact of harmful chemicals on these birds, especially the pesticide DDT. The resulting bans on DDT led to a significant recovery of bald eagle populations. Their story illustrates the importance of environmental laws to protect our wildlife and ecosystems.
Threats & How You Can Help
Historically, bald eagles were shot, trapped, or poisoned, along with having reproductive failures due to the pesticide DDT. While their populations have recovered significantly thanks to bans on certain harmful chemicals and protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, they still face threats from lead poisoning from ammunition found in shot prey; collisions with vehicles; and destruction of nesting, perching, roosting, and foraging habitat.
Additional Resources
https://www.fws.gov/law/migratory-bird-treaty-act-1918