Ace Hardware’s Wildlife Spotlight: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Published 4:00 pm Tuesday, February 19, 2008
- Ace Hardware's Wildlife Spotlight: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
An adult bald eagle is a large bird, with a body length of 28-38 inches, and a wingspan of 66-88 inches. Females are about 25 percent larger than males. It has a brown body with a white head and tail, and yellow taloned feet, hooked beak, and irises. Juveniles are completely brown, except for the yellow feet. Bald eagles live near large bodies of open water, for an abundant food supply, and tall, old-growth trees for nesting and perching. Once classified as “Endangered” and then “Threatened,” the bald eagle now has a stable population, and was completely delisted in June 2007.
What they eat: Mostly fish such as trout and salmon. They also will also feed on carrion, especially in winter, and a variety of other small to medium-sized animals.
Where to find them: Most parts of North America, either as a permanent resident or a seasonal visitor.
Claim to fame: The national bird of the United States, appearing on the backs of several U.S. coins and the Seal of the President of the United States. Also a sacred bird in many North American cultures, and the namesake for our Grant County newspaper.
Source: Wikipedia