Bald Eagle - Photos by Bruce Dayton - Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

ORDER: Falconiformes
FAMILY: Accipitridae (Hawks and Eagles - 25 Species)
SPECIES: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle was adopted as the symbol of the United States. It is estimated that more than half of all the Bald Eagles live in Alaska. They build huge nest platforms out of branches, usually in large trees. The species was on the brink of extinction in the USA late in the 20th century, but now has a stable and growing population.
SIZE	The Bald Eagle is one of the largest Raptors (28-38") or bird of prey.
DESCRIPTION	The Eagle is easily identified in adult plumage by its unmistakable brown body set off by a white head and tail and bright yellow bill. Sexes are similar in appearance.
NESTING	Clutch size ranges from 1-3 eggs, which are incubated in 28 to 35 days. Bald eagles build their nests in large trees or platforms usually near a body of water. Eagles often use the same nest year after year. A typical nest is 5-8 feet in diameter.
RANGE	The Bald Eagle's natural range includes most of North America, including most of Canada, all of the continental United States, and northern Mexico. Bald Eagles can be found in small concentrations throughout North America.
HABITAT	They normally habitat and build their nests in woods and forests near large bodies of water, where a good supply of fish are available
DIET	The Bald Eagle's diet is varied, including fish, small birds and rodents. The eagle swoops down over the water and snatches the fish out of the water with its talons.

INTERESTING FACTS

Raptor

A raptor is a bird of prey that is known for its predatory habits of feeding on other animals. Raptors have a hooked beak, sharp talons, excellent eyesight, and strong legs and feet. A female raptor is normally larger than the male. They have a special eyelid or nictitating membrane.

There are the two main groups of raptors:
Diurnal raptors which hunt during the day, such as eagles, hawks, falcons, kites and some owls.
Nocturnal raptors which hunt at night, such as most owls.

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The images on this web page are copyrighted © 2003 - 2007 by Bruce Dayton. I want to share my photos to promote conservation and to help people identify and learn about the birds and other creatures that live with us on the North American continent. Please do not use any of my work in any non-profit or for-profit project without first getting written permission from me. You can ask for permission by emailing me at webmaster@wildlifeofnorthamerica.info. All reproductions must bear an appropriate credit.




Bald Eagle

Galen Township Wayne County - New York


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Tyre Township Seneca County - New York


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Bald Eagle Drawing by Louis Agassiz Fuertes