Common name: Bald Eagle
Scientific name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Identifying characteristics:
With its massive yellow bill and pure-white head and tail, contrasting with the otherwise black-brown plumage, the adult Bald Eagle cannot be confused with any other species.
Range:
The Bald Eagle is distributed over continental North America, as far south as southern Florida and the coast of Baja California, Mexico. As a result of persecution, pollution, and human disturbance, the species is now really common only in Alaska, the more southerly population having been severely depleted.
Habitat:
Although most often seen in watery locations, such as sea-coasts or in the vicinity of rivers or lakes, the species is occasionally seen along mountain ridges, particularly when on migration.
Nesting:
The enormous nest, which is added to annually over many years, is always sited in a commanding position, either in a tree or on a rock outcrop. It is constructed of deadwood, either collected from the ground or snapped off trees in flight, with a lining of some softer material, pine needles often being selected. Green sprays are added to the nest throughout the breeding cycle.
Feeding habits:
The bird eats a variety of fish, birds, and mammals, and although it hunts and catches much live prey, which it certainly seems to prefer, it appears forced, at times, to resort to carrion. Claims that it causes reductions in domestic lamb and salmon stocks are greatly exaggerated: the birds almost invariably take only sick, dying, or even dead, animals.
Conservation status:
The Bald Eagle has been removed from Endangered status, but is not yet out of trouble.
