Bald Eagle
scientific name
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
size/weight/height
Bald eagles
are impressive birds with a large wingspan. Females have a wingspan
of 79 to 90 inches and a length of 3 feet. Males have a wingspan
of 6.5 to 7.5 feet and a length of 2 to 3 feet. Bald eagles weigh
10 to 14 pounds.
coloration
Individual
bald eagles may look very different from each other but in general
adults have a blackish-brown back and breast, white head, neck,
and tail, and yellow feet and beak.
Juveniles
are mixture of brown and white with black beaks. They reach adult
plumage at 6 years old.
behavior
Some bald eagles migrate, while others do not. When lakes and rivers
freeze, eagles in the north tend to migrate to the coast or larger rivers,
which remain unfrozen. Bald eagles build nests that typically reach 5
feet in diameter. Eagles use the same nest over several years, which
can get up to 9 feet in diameter and weigh up to 2 tons. Nesting territory
varies widely. They guard their territory against other eagles during
nesting season. Bald eagles typically hunt alone, but can congregate
at locations with plentiful food sources.
reproduction/lifespan
Eagles choose the same mate year after year, but will accept a new mate
if one dies. Eggs are laid after 5 to 10 days and incubation is 35 days.
1 to 3 eggs are laid within a few days of each other. In the wild, average
life expectancy is 15 to 20 years, but they can live as long as 30 years.
diet
In the
wild bald eagles primarily feed on fish, like salmon, and waterfowl.
habitat/range
They are
unique to North America. The primary concentration is in Alaska,
but they can be found in Canada and every state in the U.S., except
Hawaii.
status
Although previously on the endangered list, Bald eagles are still considered
threatened because of poaching, habitat loss and injuries sustained
from human encroachment, such as running into power lines.
oregon
zoo exhibit
Eagle Canyon
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