Bald Eagle

Kaleena Kessling Core 2, 3, 4, 5

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Species Statistics
Bird Weight:
Both male and female: 10-14 pounds Male: 30 to 34 inches Female: 35 to 37 inches

Height

Wing Span

Male: 72 to 85 inches Female: 79 to 90 inches

Life Span
Life Cycle:
Sexual maturity @ 4/5 years Mate for life Lay 2/3 eggs

Captivity: 30-50 years Wild: 15-20 years

Juveniles are brown and white with black beaks (Takes 5 years to mature into adult coloring)

Male and female incubate eggs for 35 days. Some migrate when Northern lakes and rivers freeze.

Vital Statistics
Carnivore

Carrion

Fish

Vital Statistics cont.

After the death- bald eagle is eaten by decomposers (Bacteria) and larger scavengers

Bald Eagle dies in the wild from:

Differences in Sexes
Female
Larger than males

Male
Smaller than females

Wider/broader beak

During incubation period male brings sprigs of conifer branches into the nest

Habitat and Ecosystem

Helpful Adaptations
Keen Eyesight: 4x better than 20/20

Long broad wings

Sharp hooked beak

Razor sharp talons

Unusual Features

Eagles do not have vocal cords. But still make high-pitched, shrill squeaking and screeching sounds via the air that passes the bones in their neck.

Found in North America (Most of the U.S., Alaska, and parts of Mexico)

World Map

Range Map

Reasons for Endangerment

DDT Poisoning

Power lines

Hunting

What is being done?

1. Breeding and nesting programs 2. It is extremely illegal to hunt the Bald Eagle (Big fine$ and prison time) 3. Beak Repair programs

What can YOU do?

Adopt an Eagle in your name Begin a recycling program in my town Write a letter to President Obama and Alaska Legislatures about passing a law about mandatory clean up of used fishing line.