ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Bald Eagle

 Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle
Our national symbol, the bald eagle, displays many outstanding characteristics - exceptional vision, a striking appearance, and a commanding presence. Sadly, by the later half of the 20th century, the bald eagle was classified as an endangered species. This, however, is a case with positive results. Through the diligent efforts of wildlife biologists and a concerned public, the bald eagle population is coming back and is no longer on the federal endangered list. Its federal status is now delisted but it is still in a monitoring stage for 5 years.

Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus

At-a-Glance

• Mating: Monogamous, pairs for life

• Incubation Period: 35 days on average, February through April

• Clutch Size: Usually 2 eggs; with a range of 1 to 3

• Young: Altricial (helpless and dependent on the parents). They leave the nest after 10-13 weeks

• Number of Broods per Year: 1; however, if a nest is destroyed, some pairs will “recycle” and initiate a second nest within the same year

• Migration Patterns: Adults are generally year-round residents; immature birds sometimes migrate during spring and fall.

• Feeding Periods: Anytime during daylight hours

• Typical Foods: Mostly fish, will also feed upon waterfowl, small mammals, and carrion

Description
The adult bald eagle is one of the most easily recognized species of wildlife. It has snow white feathers covering its head down to the neck area. The tail feathers of the mature bald eagle are also white. The body color is very dark brown, almost black. Yellow eyes, beak, and feet accent the bird’s appearance. The white of the head and tail distinguish the fully mature eagle from immature birds of the species. Young eagles do not have this appearance until they reach the age of five or six years. Until that time, they are decidedly duller in appearance and, to the inexperienced observer, probably would not be recognized as a bald eagle. Immature eagles are almost uniformly dark brown from head to tail feather. Their undersides are mottled white with buff and cream blotches.

Habitat and Habits
The bald eagle can be found in small concentrations throughout the U.S., particularly near sizeable bodies of water, natural and man-made. In Ohio, the bald eagle’s stronghold is the marsh region of western Lake Erie. For the bald eagle, the ideal site is one where water with ample food (fish) is located within two miles of the nest. The eagle shows a preference for a somewhat secluded homesite. This is particularly critical when the nest is being established and young raised. Eagles are highly territorial and too much interference from other eagles can result in problems at the nest site.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Pair bonding activity for both new and established pairs begins in the fall. Courtship behavior and nest building can occur anytime between October and early December. The female lays one to three eggs in mid-February to late March. Both she and her mate spend time on the nest incubating and share the feeding responsibilities.