Bald Eagle

The Bald Eagle, scientific name: Haliaeetus luecocephalus is the United States National bird and was listed as endangered in1967. The Bald Eagle is the only eagle unique to North America . It is estimated now that there are 7,066 nesting pairs: The eagle is well on its way to being de-listed.

The Bald Eagle is classified as a sea or fish eagle meaning that the eagle’s diet primarily consists of fish, both salt water and fresh water alike, hunting both in lakes and rivers as well as along the coast. Though the eagle is not typically migratory they do migrate when the lakes and rivers around them freeze over. The Bald Eagles will also eat dead and decaying fish. Hunting fish, however, is no problem for the Bald Eagle. Their famous for their keen eyesight and can see a swimming fish from several hundred feet above while in flight. They can devour one pound of fish in about four minutes. Like all eagles, the Bald Eagle sees in color and their eyeball is close to the size of a humans.

Bald Eagles nest in tall trees near lakes or rivers or on the ground. The female lays 2-3 eggs and the parents take turns incubating the eggs for 35 days until the eggs hatch. They continue to share parenting duties.

Bald Eagles can live for about 30 years in the wild.