The bald eagle is one of the most powerful birds of prey. It usually hunts prey from the air, sometimes flying as fast as 50 miles per hour. Its feet have sharp talons, which are used for catching food. The bald eagle was placed on the federal endangered species list in 1972. The bald eagle was subsequently delisted on August 9, 2007. However, bald eagles and their nests are still protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protect Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act

Identification

General description:A large dark brown bird. An adult develops white head, neck, and tail feathers at age four to five. Its eyes and beak are bright yellow. The bald eagle is typically found near forested rivers and lakes, where food (mostly fish or ducks) are plentiful.

Length: Three and a half feet.

Weight: 7 to 10 pounds.

Color: Dark brown and white. Young birds are mostly dark brown with white splotches on the belly or underwings. Their heads and tails are not white.

Sounds: An occasional high-pitched call or squealing cackle.

Reproduction

Bald eagles nest from March to July. Mated pairs usually return to the same nest each year. Bald eagles hatch in 35 days, weigh about four ounces, and are covered in gray down. By 12 weeks of age, young bald eagles grow brown feathers flecked with white.

Food

Fish, ducks, and other waterbirds, and dead animals (carrion) such as deer that die from car collisions or during cold winters.

Predators

At the nest, eggs and young may be taken by gulls, ravens, crows, black bears, and raccoons. Adults may be killed or injured by hazards such as powerlines and pesticides as well as by illegal shooting or trapping.

Habitat and range

Forested areas near lakes and rivers. In Minnesota, bald eagles are found primarily in the central part of the state and, in winter, along the Mississippi River. Some eagles migrate to southern states in winter.

Population and management

The bald eagle population, which was at all-time lows in 1972, has rebounded in recent years because of federal law protection and successful habitat conservation efforts. In 2007 approximately 2300 pairs of bald eagles were nesting in Minnesota. Bald eagles are not game animals. The fine for killing this beautiful bird is up to $10,000.

Fun facts

The bald eagle was chosen as our nation's symbol in 1782, narrowly beating out the wild turkey. Some eagle nests are ten feet across and 20 feet deep.

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