Bald EagleHaliaeetus leucocephalusWhere and when to see them

The bald eagle is a large North American fish eagle associated with productive waters and substantial nesting trees. Adults acquire the familiar white head and tail only after several years, while younger birds are mottled brown. Recovery following protection and restrictions on harmful pesticides is a major conservation success. Nevertheless, disturbance, lead poisoning, collisions and loss of nesting habitat remain important threats at local and regional scales.

Size

70–102 cm long; 180–230 cm wingspan

Weight

3–6.3 kg

Lifespan

20–30 years

Status

Least Concern

Bald eagles hunt from perches or in flight, seize food near the water's surface and readily scavenge. They also steal prey from other birds when an opportunity arises. Pairs maintain large stick nests, often adding material over successive seasons. Outside breeding territories, abundant food can draw many individuals together. Migration varies geographically: some birds remain near dependable food, while others travel substantial distances as waters freeze or prey shifts. Bald eagles mate for life, typically returning to the same nesting territory year after year. They are known for their impressive aerial displays during courtship, including synchronized flights and talon-locking dives. Their nests, called eyries, can be massive, reaching up to six feet wide and ten feet deep.

• Adult head and tail coloration usually develops around the fifth year.
• Females are generally larger than males.
• Pairs can enlarge the same nest over many seasons.
• Its characteristic calls are much higher and thinner than many cinematic eagle sound effects.

Wildlife opportunities depend on the river reach, water levels and species. River-specific viewing months have not been confirmed; general species seasons are not a local sighting forecast.

Coasts, estuaries, large rivers, lakes and wetlands provide feeding habitat. Nesting usually requires large trees or other secure elevated structures near food. Exposed shoreline perches and quiet stretches of water can be useful viewing areas without approaching a nest. They often choose tall trees with strong branches to support their large nests, frequently near water bodies that provide ample food. Artificial structures like communication towers or power poles are sometimes used for nesting or perching where natural sites are scarce.

Fish dominate many populations' diets, but waterbirds, mammals and carrion are also important. Eagles exploit locally abundant foods, including stranded fish and salmon carcasses. Their scavenging habits expose them to lead fragments in contaminated animal remains and discarded fishing tackle. Eagles possess excellent eyesight, allowing them to spot fish and other prey from great heights. While fish is a primary food source, they are opportunistic and will also hunt small mammals such as rabbits and muskrats.

Common name

Bald Eagle

Scientific name

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Animal group

Birds

Size

70–102 cm long; 180–230 cm wingspan

Weight

3–6.3 kg

Lifespan

20–30 years

Status

Least Concern

Identification

Adults have a white head and tail with a massive yellow bill, while immature birds differ from golden eagles through their heavier bill and irregular white mottling. Juvenile birds, often mottled brown and white, can take up to five years to develop the full adult plumage. The heavy, hooked bill and powerful talons are distinctive features, even at a distance.