All About Bald Eagle – Facts, FAQs, ID, Size, Habitat, Nesting, Behaviour & Diet 

The bald eagle is a fierce-looking bird with a massive wingspan reaching up to 7.7 feet and great hunting techniques! They are fish lovers, so they usually hang around lakes and rivers, snatching fish right out of the water with their sharp claws. Since 1782, the Bald eagle has been a national bird of the United States.

Identification:

Juvenile Bald Eagle:

Juveniles look different from adults. They have dark brown feathers all over their bodies, with some white mottling (spots) on their wings and tails. It takes them about 4 to 5 years to fully mature and get the iconic white head and tail feathers.

Adult Male Bald Eagle:

Males are smaller than females. They weigh about 8 to 10 pounds and have a wingspan of about 6 to 7 feet. They look similar to females, with dark brown body and white head and tail, but they’re just a bit smaller than females.

Adult Female Bald Eagle:

Females are larger and heavier, weighing around 10 to 14 pounds. Their wingspan is bigger, about 7 to 8 feet. Like males, they have the same brown body and white head and tail, but their larger size is the main difference.

Size of Bald Eagle:

Female:

Typically, they weigh between 10 to 14 pounds (4.5 to 6.4 kg) and have a wingspan of about 7 to 8 feet (213 to 244 cm).

Male:

Males are a bit smaller, weighing around 8 to 10 pounds (3.6 to 4.5 kg) with a wingspan of approximately 6 to 7 feet (183 to 213 cm).

Call of Bald Eagle:

Habitat:

They’re all about being near water. Lakes, rivers, coastlines—you name it. You’ll find them all over North America, from Alaska to the Gulf Coast.

Died/Food:

Bald eagles eat fish mostly, But they’ll also eat small mammals, like rabbits or squirrels. They’re not picky and will take whatever food is easiest to catch, especially when fish are harder to find.

Nesting:

They like places with tall trees so they can build their massive nests. These nests can be up to 13 feet deep and 8 feet wide! They usually build them high in tall trees near water, giving them great views for hunting. Sometimes, their nests can get so large and heavy that they collapse under their own weight! They typically lay 1 to 3 eggs, and both parents take turns keeping the eggs warm and later feeding the chicks

Behaviour:

Bald eagles are usually alone but they stay with the same mate for life. They’re known for being highly territorial and often claim big areas around their nests. You’ll see them soaring high in the sky or sitting on tall trees, watching everything around them.

They don’t make much noise, but they do make some calls, like whistles or chirps. When hunting, they’re patient and wait for the right moment to grab fish or other animals. They’re smart too, and can adjust their hunting habits.

Facts:

• Bald eagles have incredible vision and can also see ultraviolet light, which helps them track prey like fish beneath the water.
• Bald Eagles Aren’t Always Loyal to Their Nests: While they return to the same area each year, they might move their nest if it becomes too crowded or damaged. They usually abandon a site after a storm or if predators start hanging around.

• Bald eagles have been spotted playing with things like plastic bottles and other objects, using them as toys. One person even saw six bald eagles tossing sticks back and forth to each other while flying in the air.
• Bald eagles are skilled hunters, but they’ll also steal food from other birds of prey, like osprey, if they’re feeling lazy or if they get an opportunity.

• The Bald eagle’s beaks are incredibly strong and curved, able to rip apart meat and even break small bones.
• Eagle Feathers Are Protected by Law: In the U.S., it’s illegal to collect bald eagle feathers without a special permit.

• They Are “Silent” Flyers: The Bald eagles are surprisingly silent in flight. Their feathers are designed to make very low noise, making them stealthier hunters.
• Bald eagles can live a long time. The oldest one known was at least 38 years old when it was hit by a car in New York in 2015. It was first tagged in 1977 in the same state.

• Bald eagle’s eyesight is about 4 to 5 times better than humans, which helps them spot prey from far away.
• At one point, bald eagles were endangered, but thanks to conservation efforts, their numbers have rebounded, and they’re no longer on the endangered list.

FAQS:

Why are bald eagles called “bald”?
They’re not actually bald. The word “bald” comes from the Middle English word “balde” which means white referring to their white head feathers.

How did bald eagles get endangered?
Bald eagles became endangered mainly because of hunting, loss of habitat, and pollution. In the past, people hunted them for their feathers and to protect livestock. Their habitats were destroyed as forests were cleared for development. The biggest problem was the pesticide DDT, which was used to control insects. DDT made eagle eggshells very thin, causing them to break easily. As a result, many eagle chicks didn’t survive.
Because of these factors, bald eagle numbers dropped dramatically. But thanks to laws protecting them and efforts to reduce pesticide use, bald eagles have made a strong recovery.

How did the bald eagle become America’s national bird?
The decision came about in the late 1700s, when the founding fathers were picking a symbol for the newly formed United States. In 1782, the Great Seal of the United States was being designed, and one of the key debates was over what bird should represent the nation. Benjamin Franklin famously suggested the turkey, but many of the other leaders felt the bald eagle, with its majestic presence and power, was a better fit. They saw it as a symbol of the nation’s resilience and freedom because it was native to North America and stood tall as a top predator.

If a bald eagle crashes through my window, should I call 911?
If you see a bald eagle in trouble, call the zoo (if it’s open) or a veterinarian. You should also contact your state’s game warden right away. DO NOT TOUCH THE EAGLE! They are protected by law, and touching one can get you into serious trouble. Even if you think touching the bird might help, it’s still illegal to do so.

Why is it illegal to keep a feather that has fallen from a bald eagle?
It’s illegal to keep a feather from a bald eagle because these birds are protected by law under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. This law makes it illegal to harm, kill, or possess any part of a bald eagle, including its feathers. The feathers are considered a valuable part of the eagle, and taking them could disturb the balance of nature. Even if the feather has fallen naturally, it’s still illegal to keep it without special permission from the government.

What are the natural predators of bald eagles?
Adult bald eagles don’t have any natural predators because they are at the top of the food chain. However, young or juvenile bald eagles can be at risk from larger birds of prey, like great horned owls or golden eagles,

Do bald eagles attack humans?
No, bald eagles are not dangerous to humans. They may defend their nests, but they don’t typically attack people.

How far can a bald eagle fly?
Bald eagles can fly really far! They can travel hundreds of miles in a single day, especially when they’re migrating. During migration, they can fly up to 2,000 miles or more, depending on the season and where they’re going. They use strong winds to help them glide long distances without using too much energy.

Why did America pick the bald eagle?
It was chosen because it represents strength, freedom, and independence, qualities that are important to the U.S.

What would happen if bald eagles went extinct?
If bald eagles went extinct, we’d miss a beautiful bird, but it wouldn’t change much else. Bald eagles aren’t a key part of the ecosystem, so they don’t affect it a lot. They mostly eat fish, so without them, some fish might increase in number, but that’s about it.

Can bald eagles swim?
Yes, they can swim if they need to, but they prefer to stay in the air or on land.

Is the bald eagle the strongest bird?
No, The bald eagle is one of the strongest birds, especially in terms of catching fish and hunting.

Are there different types of bald eagles?
No, there’s only one species of bald eagle, but they can live in different environments across North America.

What should you do if you’re attacked by a bald eagle?
It’s very rare for a bald eagle to attack, but if one does, protect your face and eyes and slowly move away.

What do bald eagles like?
Bald eagles like fishing, nesting near water, and staying high in trees to watch their surroundings.

Is there any way to legally own a bald eagle as a pet?
No, bald eagles are protected by the law, so it’s illegal to own them as pets in any way.

Does the bald eagle eat chipmunks?
Yes, they may eat small mammals like chipmunks, but their main diet is fish.

What do bald eagles dislike?
Bald eagles dislike disturbances around their nests and will become protective if they feel threatened.