Bald Eagle
The national symbol of the United States, the bald eagle is a magnificent raptor that can be found throughout much of Colorado.
About This Species
The bald eagle – so named because of its white head – is found only in North America and is one of the continent’s largest birds of prey. Here in the United States, the bald eagle is recognized as the country’s national symbol, a distinction it has held since 1782. Young bald eagles are dark brown in color when they fledge the nest at about 12 weeks of age. Their head and tail feathers turn predominantly white in the fourth or fifth year.
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Physical Characteristics
Adult birds have a snowy white head, neck, and tail, with the remainder of their bodies being chocolate brown. Their beaks and feet are yellow and they have large talons one to two inches long.
Adult males weigh about eight to nine pounds. Females are slightly larger, about 10 to 14 pounds. The birds’ length is 31 to 37 inches with a wingspan of six to eight and a half feet.
Range
Historically, bald eagles lived throughout North America from Alaska to Newfoundland, and from Florida to California. During the early-mid 20th century, bald eagle populations declined in size due to pesticides (primarily DDT), human disturbance and loss of trees for nesting habitat. Consequently the bald eagle was placed on the Endangered Species List. With the ban of the pesticide DDT and protection of nesting habitat, bald eagle populations have significantly recovered. In Colorado, bald eagles are found throughout much of the state during both the summer and winter.
Habitat
Bald eagles are seldom seen far from water - large rivers, lakes and seacoasts. In Colorado they are often found near reservoirs and along major rivers (South Platte, Arkansas, Rio Grande, Yampa, Colorado) during both the summer and winter. During the breeding season bald eagles defend territories and most frequently can be found nesting in large cottonwood trees. In the winter bald eagles communally roost in large trees for warmth and protection.
Diet
In addition to fish (self-caught or stolen from other birds), bald eagles eat sick and injured waterfowl, muskrats, squirrels, rabbits, prairie dogs and often eat carrion and road-killed animals.
Reproduction
Nests can be seven to eight feet across, usually in tall trees high above the ground. Bald eagles often choose dead limbs in tall trees, possibly because their view is not obstructed by foliage. Nests are often found near water. The spiraling, talon-grabbing aerial acrobatics are due to territorial disputes, not a mating behavior. Females lay one to three eggs, which are dull white. The incubation period is about 35 days, with both the male and female keeping the eggs warm. Fledglings can fly at six weeks, but stay in the nest for 10-12 weeks.
Additional Information
Despite depictions in media, the bald eagle's call is a squeak, not the "scream" of a red-tailed hawk.