Bald Eagle
Habitat –
Bald Eagles are found throughout Florida near lakes, rivers, marshes, reservoirs, and coastal areas. They prefer locations with large trees for nesting and open water where they can easily find food.
Diet –
Fish
Waterfowl
Small mammals
Reptiles
Carrion (dead animals)
Fish make up the majority of a Bald Eagle's diet. They use their sharp eyesight to spot fish from high above and swoop down to catch them with their powerful talons.
Lifespan –
Bald Eagles typically live 20–30 years in the wild, although some have been known to live even longer.
Special Behavior –
Bald Eagles are one of the largest birds of prey in North America.
They can soar high in the sky for hours while searching for food.
Their eyesight is about four times sharper than a human's.
Eagles are known for their powerful talons and hooked beaks, which help them catch and eat prey.
Young Bald Eagles are mostly brown and do not develop their famous white head and tail until they are about five years old.
Nesting –
Bald Eagles build enormous nests made of sticks high in tall trees near water. They often return to the same nest year after year, adding new sticks each season. Some eagle nests can grow to more than 8 feet wide and weigh over a ton, making them among the largest bird nests in the world.
Conservation Story –
The Bald Eagle was once endangered in the United States due to hunting, habitat loss, and the effects of the pesticide DDT. Thanks to conservation efforts and legal protection, Bald Eagle populations have recovered dramatically. Today, Florida is home to one of the largest nesting populations of Bald Eagles in the lower 48 states.
Fun Fact –
Although the Bald Eagle is America's national bird, it is not actually bald! The word "bald" comes from an old English word meaning "white-headed."
Bird Watcher's Tip –
Look for Bald Eagles perched in tall trees near lakes and rivers. Early morning is often the best time to see them hunting or soaring overhead. Listen for their surprisingly high-pitched calls, which sound much different from the powerful cries often heard in movies.
Did You Know? –
A Bald Eagle's wingspan can reach 7 feet from tip to tip! That's wider than many adults are tall.
Florida Connection –
Florida's many lakes, rivers, and coastal habitats provide excellent homes for Bald Eagles. They are frequently seen around large bodies of water and are one of the state's most impressive birds to observe in the wild.
