Bald Eagle Info

Bald Eagle Info sites provide lots of comprehensive bits of knowledge on this bird, which is very meaningful to the American nation at that. American Bald Eagles are found only in North America, their range covering the entire continent from northern Mexico, Texas and Baja California in the south through Canada and Alaska in the north. There are two Bald Eagle species – the southern and the northern. The southern is smaller than the northern, and is found in southern states and Mexico. The northern species is common in areas north of latitude 40.

The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a bird of prey, feeding primarily on fish and small and medium-sized ground animals. Because fish is the basic part of their diet, Bald Eagles are usually concentrated near rivers, lakes, streams and in coastal areas. During periods when food is less available, they feed on carrion. Bald Eagles hunt fish in their own specific way. They spot fish from high up and swoop down and grab fish with their sharp talons. Bald Eagles are known to be able to lift prey half their own weight. Posted on Bald Eagle Info websites is a good deal of tips on how they hunt and live in their natural habitats.

Bald Eagles have brown plumage with white on the head and tail. These birds show reverse sexual dimorphism. Females are about 25% larger than males. There is no color difference whatever between males and females. Immature eagles are brown all over, and hence they are often confused with Golden Eagles. Bald Eagles reach sexual maturity by 4-5 years of age. Their life span in the wild averages 35-40 years. Captive species are usually more long-lived. You can read more about the Eagle’s behavior and life cycle on various Bald Eagle Info sources.

Bald Eagles mate for life, and both the male and the female take care of their young. The two stay together until one dies. Bald Eagles can build large nests in old and tall trees in the vicinity of water. Once a nest is built, they use it throughout life time. Some Bald Eagle Info sites contain pictures of Eagle nests and records on the largest ones found throughout the entire wildlife observation history. Nests usually measure about 13 ft deep and 8 ft across. Females lay 1-3 eggs, usually in spring, and they hatch after the incubation period of 35 days. The young start leaving the nest at about 12 weeks from birth.

In the 20th century, Bald Eagles have suffered a severe blow from humans. In the 1700s, there were about 500,000 species in the wild, while in the 1960s there were only about 500-600 pairs left in the wild. Many eagles have been killed by hunters and poachers. Deforestation forced many Eagles to leave their natural areas. Pesticide contamination also contributed to the decrease in the Bald Eagle population. In 1967, Bald Eagles were listed as endangered and the government imposed limitations on Eagle hunting. By the 1990s, the Eagle population partially regained its former position, so in 1995 they were reclassified as threatened. Almost every Bald eagle Info site provides at least a brief outline on the hardships the Bald Eagle faced in the past century.