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Bald Eagle

Did you know bald eagles are seabirds? Although these sea eagles are frequently seen in wooded areas, they are typically found within 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) of a water source — often the ocean!  

 

Bald eagles have a wide range, found in Canada, the United States, and as far south as Mexico and parts of South America. They are often distinguished by their bright yellow bills, striking yellow eyes, and brown feathers so dark they can appear black. Although they get their name from their distinctive white head and tail, bald eagles don’t develop this distinctive look until they’re about four or five years old. When fully grown, these birds’ wingspan can reach up to 2.3 meters (7.5 feet)!  

Because their geographic range is so large, the diet of these birds is also diverse. These top predators frequently feed on fish, such as rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and Pacific cod, but will also eat small mammals, other birds, and carrion. While bald eagles are typically solitary, they do form pair bonds during the nesting season. They will keep the same partner for their entire life. Pairs build huge nests together that they will reuse year after year to raise their chicks. Bald eagle eggs are vulnerable to attacks from gulls, ravens, black bears, crows, and other animals, but once chicks grow up, they are rarely preyed upon. 

 

 

These iconic birds were once driven to near extinction by hunting, habitat loss, and harmful insecticides like DDT. After DDT was banned in 1972 and the bald eagle was placed under the protection of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1978, the species began to recover and populations have rebounded. After extensive conservation efforts, they were removed from this list in 2007. Now, the IUCN Red List labels bald eagles as a species of least concern.  

 

 

The bald eagle could not have recovered without key legislation like the ESA. This landmark U.S. conservation law plays an important role for countless species, and ensuring this law stays entact is critical to their futures. You can get involved by telling Congress to defend the ESA from any changes that would weaken it.   

 

 

 

 

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