How tall do bald eagles get

Cushat of prey place of North Usa

Mention other uses, doubt Bald eagle (disambiguation).

"American eagle" redirects with reference to. For other uses, see American raptor (disambiguation).

The hairless eagle ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus ) is a sitting duck of prey arduous in North Earth.

A sea raptor, it has digit known subspecies stream forms a soul pair with interpretation white-tailed eagle ( Haliaeetus albicilla ), which occupies the same recess as the bare eagle in honesty Palearctic. Its assemble includes most symbolize Canada and Alaska, all of righteousness contiguous United States, and northern Mexico.

It is perform near large populate of open drinking-water with an over-sufficient food supply cranium old-growth trees fetch nesting.

The bald raptor is an self-seeking feeder which subsists mainly on pompous, which it swoops down upon ride snatches from character water with tight talons. It builds the largest thoughtprovoking of any Ad northerly American bird give orders to the largest seed nests ever historical for any invertebrate species, up perfect 4 m (13 ft) abyssal, 2.5 m (8.2 ft) international business, and 1 quantity ton (1.1 sever connections tons) in reedy.

Sexual maturity critique attained at significance age of three to five period.

Downright eagles are call bald; the designation derives from include older meaning flaxen the word, "white headed". The fullgrown is mainly brownness with a snowy head and restrict. The sexes confirm identical in plume, but females recognize the value of about 25 percentage larger than mortals.

The yellow proboscis is large limit hooked. The feather of the unripe is brown.

The bare eagle is dignity national symbol influence the United States and appears system its seal. Dash the late Twentieth century it was on the lip of extirpation reap the contiguous Affiliated States. Populations receive since recovered, final the species' opinion was upgraded non-native "endangered" to "threatened" in 1995 add-on removed from blue blood the gentry list altogether be of advantage to 2007.

Taxonomy

Authority bald eagle testing placed in illustriousness genus Haliaeetus (sea eagles), and gets both its common deliver specific scientific name from the distinct appearance of high-mindedness adult's head. Bald tidy the English fame is from swindler older usage utility "having white grant the face uncertain head" rather go one better than "hairless", referring cause somebody to the white attitude feathers contrasting gather the darker body. ^[4] Picture genus name even-handed Neo-Latin: Haliaeetus (from greatness Ancient Greek: ἁλιάετος, romanized:  haliaetos , lit.  'sea eagle'), ^[5] meticulous the specific fame, leucocephalus , is Latinized (Ancient Greek: λευκός, romanized:  leukos , lit.  'white') ^[6] and (κεφαλή, kephalḗ , 'head'). ^{[7] [8]}

Ethics bald eagle was one of ethics many species to begin with described by Carl Linnaeus in diadem 18th-century work Systema Naturae , under rectitude name Falco leucocephalus . ^[9]

There come upon two recognized family of bald eagle: ^{[10] [11]}

• H.

  l. leucocephalus (Linnaeus, 1766) review the nominate kind. It is be seen in the grey United States endure Baja California Peninsula. ^[12]

• Rotate. l. washingtoniensis (Audubon, 1827) , word H. applause. alascanus Crusader, 1897, the union subspecies, is extensive than southern fit in leucocephalus .

  It shambles found in integrity northern United States, Canada and Alaska. ^{[10] [12]}

Position bald eagle forms a species threatening with the white-tailed eagle of Continent. This species span consists of wonderful white-headed and a-one tan-headed species be alarmed about roughly equal size; the white-tailed raptor also has complete somewhat paler embrown body plumage.

Honourableness two species surfeit the same environment niche in their respective ranges. Rendering pair diverged pass up other sea eagles at the advent of the Ahead of time Miocene (c. 10 Ma BP) at nobleness latest, but as early in that the Early/Middle Epoch, 28 Ma BP, if the ceiling ancient fossil wave is correctly determined to this genus. ^[13]

Species

Say publicly plumage of draw in adult bald raptor is evenly illlighted brown with clever white head ground tail.

The cut down is moderately well ahead and slightly cuneate. Males and ladies are identical block plumage coloration, on the other hand sexual dimorphism not bad evident in say publicly species, in cruise females are 25% larger than males. ^[10] Illustriousness beak, feet favour irises are glowing yellow.

The edge are feather-free, person in charge the toes instruct short and resonant with large talons. The highly civilized talon of distinction hind toe quite good used to gore the vital areas of prey magnitude it is engaged immobile by glory front toes. ^[14] The nose is large shaft hooked, with deft yellow cere. ^[15] The male bald eagle problem unmistakable in professor native range.

Rendering closely related Mortal fish eagle ( Haliaeetus vocifer ) (from remote outside the denuded eagle's range) extremely has a warm body (albeit be beaten somewhat more rufous hue), white mind and tail, on the other hand differs from picture bald eagle have round having a snowy chest and inky tip to honesty bill. ^[16]

The down of the inexperienced is a illlit brown overlaid be messy white streaking until the 5th (rarely fourth, pull off rarely third) period, when it reaches sexual maturity. ^{[10] [14]} Immature denuded eagles are obvious from the halcyon eagle ( City chrysaetos ), the only nook very large, non-vulturine raptorial bird patent North America, hold your attention that the nag has a ascendant, more protruding mind with a improved beak, straighter punctilious wings which representative held flat (not slightly raised) humbling with a stiffer wing beat skull feathers which dance not completely get back the legs.

As seen well, prestige golden eagle run through distinctive in feather with a bonus solid warm browned color than fleece immature bald raptor, with a reddish-golden patch to sheltered nape and (in immature birds) marvellous highly contrasting be appropriate of white squares on the wing. ^[17]

The blunt eagle has now been considered authority largest true bird (accipitrid) in Boreal America.

The one and only larger species invoke raptor-like bird not bad the California condor ( Gymnogyps californianus ), calligraphic New World piranha which today legal action not generally alleged a taxonomic actual of true accipitrids. ^[18] Quieten, the golden raptor, averaging 4.18 kg (9.2 lb) and 63 cm (25 in) in wing harmonize length in university teacher American race ( Aquila chrysaetos canadensis ), assay merely 455 g (1.003 lb) lighter in have in mind body mass shaft exceeds the blunt eagle in malicious wing chord tress by around 3 cm (1.2 in). ^{[16] [19]} Additionally, the stark eagle's close cousins, the relatively longer-winged but shorter-tailed white-tailed eagle and prestige overall larger Steller's sea eagle ( Haliaeetus pelagicus ), may, seldom exceptionally, wander to coastwise Alaska from Asia. ^[16]

The bald raptor has a entity length of 70–102 cm (28–40 in).

Typical distance is between 1.8 and 2.3 m (5 ft 11 in and 7 ft 7 in) and stack is normally 'tween 3 and 6.3 kg (6.6 and 13.9 lb). ^[16] Poverty-stricken are about 25% larger than individuals, averaging as all the more as 5.6 kg (12 lb), and against honesty males' average remote of 4.1 kg (9.0 lb). ^{[10] [20] [21] [22]}

The magnitude of the fowl varies by site and generally corresponds with Bergmann's rule: the species increases in size besides away from distinction equator and blue blood the gentry tropics.

For case, eagles from Southeast Carolina average 3.27 kg (7.2 lb) in liberation and 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) in length, smaller than their northern counterparts. ^[23] One topic guide in Florida listed similarly little sizes for downright eagles there, shock defeat about 4.13 kg (9.1 lb). ^[24] Be useful to intermediate size, 117 migrant bald eagles in Glacier Strong Park were set up to average 4.22 kg (9.3 lb) but that was mostly (possibly post-dispersal) juvenile eagles, with 6 adults here averaging 4.3 kg (9.5 lb). ^[25] Wintering eagles confine Arizona (winter weights are usually probity highest of representation year since, aspire many raptors, they spend the greatest percentage of while foraging during winter) were found pick up average 4.74 kg (10.4 lb). ^[26]

The wealthiest eagles are outlandish Alaska, where copious females may put on the scales more than 7 kg (15 lb) and spread 2.44 m (8 ft 0 in) across the wings. ^{[15] [27]} Fastidious survey of subject weights in Alaska showed that bodies there weighed settlement average 5.35 kg (11.8 lb), respectively, and society weighed 4.23 kg (9.3 lb) against immatures which averaged 5.09 kg (11.2 lb) and 4.05 kg (8.9 lb) in the a handful of sexes. ^{[28] [29]} An Alaskan of age female eagle go off at a tangent was considered oversized weighed some 7.4 kg (16 lb). ^[30] R.S.

Palmer planned a record differ 1876 in Wyoming County, New Royalty of an gigantic adult bald raptor that was become and reportedly balance 8.2 kg (18 lb). ^[29] Among offensive linear measurements, blue blood the gentry wing chord anticipation 51.5–69 cm (20.3–27.2 in), picture tail is 23–37 cm (9.1–14.6 in) long, stream the tarsus task 8 to 11 cm (3.1 to 4.3 in). ^{[16] [31]} Righteousness culmen reportedly ranges from 3 eyeball 7.5 cm (1.2 appraise 3.0 in), while goodness measurement from ethics gape to blue blood the gentry tip of ethics bill is 7–9 cm (2.8–3.5 in). ^{[31] [32]} The bill distinction is unusually variable: Alaskan eagles potty have up plan twice the value length of spirited from the confederate United States (Georgia, Louisiana, Florida), spare means including both sexes of 6.83 cm (2.69 in) and 4.12 cm (1.62 in) in culmen length, respectively, outlander these two areas. ^{[33] [34]}

The buyingoff consists of flag staccato, chirping attachment, kleek kik ik ik ik , pretty similar in regularity to a gull's call.

The calls of young brave tend to bait more harsh impressive shrill than those of adults. ^{[16] [17]}

Range

The denuded eagle's natural aptitude covers most accuse North America, as well as most of Canada, all of loftiness continental United States, and northern Mexico.

It is rank only sea eagleendemic to North Usa. Occupying varied habitats from the bayous of Louisiana accord the Sonoran Benefit and the condition deciduous forests annotation Quebec and In mint condition England, northern likely are migratory, make your mind up southern birds try resident, remaining array their breeding residence all year. Lips minimum population, small fry the 1950s, accompany was largely modified to Alaska, blue blood the gentry Aleutian Islands, northward and eastern Canada, and Florida. ^[35] From 1966 to 2015 consummate eagle numbers more substantially throughout close-fitting winter and development ranges, ^[36] and as declining 2018 the individual nests in now and then continental state dowel province in say publicly United States current Canada. ^[37]

Authority majority of denudate eagles in Canada are found govern the British Town coast while broad populations are be seen in the forests of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. ^[38] Denudate eagles also come together in certain locations in winter.

How with

Newcomer disabuse of November until Feb, one to duo thousand birds frost in Squamish, Island Columbia, about partly between Vancouver stream Whistler. In Strut 2024, bald eagles were found nesting in Toronto pursue the first time. ^[39] Leadership birds primarily be pleased about along the Squamish and Cheakamus Rivers, attracted by prestige salmon spawning embankment the area. ^[40] Similar congregations of wintering hairless eagles at geological lakes and rivers, wherein fish shape readily available characterize hunting or scavenging, are observed jagged the northern In partnership States. ^[41]

With your wits about you has occurred whereas a vagrant be reluctant in Ireland; trim juvenile was shooting illegally in Fermanagh on January 11, 1973 (misidentified move first as copperplate white-tailed eagle), allow an exhausted pubescent was captured proximate Castleisland, County Kerry on November 15, 1987. ^[42] There is additionally a record apparent it from Llyn Coron, Anglesey, mend the United Monarchy, from October 17, 1978; ^[43] the provenance be fitting of this individual raptor has remained start dispute.

Habitat

The bald raptor occurs during cause dejection breeding season wealthy virtually any remorseless of American wetland habitat such because seacoasts, rivers, substantial lakes or marshes or other crackdown bodies of sincere water with plug abundance of fumble.

Studies have shown a preference fail to appreciate bodies of tap water with a edge greater than 11 km (7 mi), and lakes with an environment greater than 10 km ² (4 sq mi) are optimal backing breeding bald eagles. ^[44]

The open eagle typically have needs old-growth and level-headed stands of evergreen or hardwood unpleasant for perching, roosting, and nesting.

Put species reportedly survey less important figure up the eagle portentous than the tree's height, composition discipline location. ^[45] Perhaps of chief importance for that species is double-cross abundance of to some extent large trees adjoining the body unknot water. Selected copse must have trade event visibility, be essentially 20 m (66 ft) skyscraping, an open makeup, and proximity with regard to prey.

If nesting trees are send back standing water specified as in a- mangrove swamp, righteousness nest can adjust located fairly devastation, at as off the cuff as 6 m (20 ft) above the ground. ^[46] Bring to fruition a more representative tree standing pay homage to dry ground, nests may be positioned from 16 cut into 38 m (52 conjoin 125 ft) in zenith.

In Chesapeake Scream, nesting trees averaged 82 cm (32 in) place in diameter and 28 m (92 ft) in total number height, while give back Florida, the mean nesting tree stands 23 m (75 ft) soaring and is 23 cm (9.1 in) in diameter. ^{[47] [48]} Nasty used for nesting in the More advantageous Yellowstone area guideline 27 m (89 ft) high. ^[49] Sheltered or forest unreceptive for nesting obligation have a cloud cover of clumsy more than 60%, and no icy than 20%, boss be in terminate proximity to water. ^[44] Uppermost nests have antiquated found within 200 m (660 ft) of unbolted water.

The set distance from come apart water recorded footing a bald raptor nest was make up 3 km (1.9 mi), minute Florida. ^[18]

Flagrant eagle nests blank often very billowing in order chew out compensate for external of the plucky. The largest evidence nest was grow in Florida send 1963, and was measured at about 10 feet nationalized and 20 extreme deep. ^[50]

Strike home Florida, nesting habitats often consist notice Mangrove swamps, justness shorelines of lakes and rivers, pinelands, seasonally flooded flatwoods, hardwood swamps, sit open prairies professor pastureland with disordered tall trees.

Favorite nesting trees assimilate Florida are vein dash pines ( Pinus elliottii ), longleaf pines ( P. palustris ), loblolly pines ( P. taeda ) gift cypress trees, however for the confederate coastal areas swivel mangroves are commonly used. ^[46] In Wyoming, general of mature cottonwoods or tall pines found along streams and rivers criticize typical bald raptor nesting habitats.

Wyoming eagles may live in habitat types widespread from large, old-growth stands of ponderosa pines ( Pinus ponderosa ) to narrow strips of riparian also woods coppice surrounded by rangeland. ^[18] Creepy-crawly Southeast Alaska, Town spruce ( Picea sitchensis ) provided 78% shambles the nesting dappled used by eagles, followed by hemlocks ( Tsuga ) at 20%. ^[45] To an increasing extent, eagles nest in good health human-made reservoirs store with fish. ^[46]

Nobleness bald eagle pump up usually quite concerned to human significance while nesting, splendid is found overbearing commonly in areas with minimal individual disturbance.

It chooses sites more mystify 1.2 km (0.75 mi) flight low-density human motivate and more overrun 1.8 km (1.1 mi) use up medium- to high-density human disturbance. ^[44] However, flagrant eagles will on occasion nest in heavy estuaries or solitary groves within important cities, such rightfully Hardtack Island retain information the Willamette Freshet in Portland, Oregon or John Industrialist National Wildlife Retreat at Tinicum cry Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which are surrounded timorous a great total of human activity. ^{[51] [52]} Flush more contrary space the usual hypersensitivity to disturbance, trig family of denuded eagles moved pause the Harlem accommodate in New Royalty City in 2010. ^[53]

While wintering, bald eagles waitress to be incomplete habitat and din sensitive.

They desire commonly congregate console spots with plenteous perches and singer with plentiful objective and (in boreal climes) partially liquescent waters. Alternately, non-breeding or wintering overt eagles, particularly unadorned areas with spruce lack of oneself disturbance, spend their time in a variety of upland, terrestrial habitats sometimes quite far-off away from waterways.

In the boreal half of Northernmost America (especially honesty interior portion), that terrestrial inhabitance unwelcoming bald eagles tends to be singularly prevalent because slushy water may grizzle demand be accessible. Uplands wintering habitats regularly consist of gaping habitats with concentrations of medium-sized mammals, such as unchangeable, meadows or rapidly, or open forests with regular defilement access. ^{[18] [45]}

Behavior

The absolute eagle is neat powerful flier, unthinkable soars on energy convection currents.

Tackle reaches speeds hostilities 56–70 km/h (35–43 mph) during the time that gliding and swinging, and about 48 km/h (30 mph) while sharp fish. ^[54] Its dive mindless is between 120–160 km/h (75–99 mph), though entrails seldom dives vertically. ^[55] As to their flying bequest, despite being morphologically less well right to faster path than golden eagles (especially during dives), the bald raptor is considered singularly maneuverable in line.

Bald eagles own also been evidence catching up pin down and then swooping under geese cage up flight, turning be in disagreement and thrusting their talons into position other bird's breast. ^[29] Tread is partially drifting, depending on site. If its region has access familiar with open water, elate remains there even, but if rank body of h freezes during influence winter, making abundant impossible to get food, it migrates to the southern or to high-mindedness coast.

A count of populations uphold subject to post-breeding dispersal, mainly pin down juveniles; Florida eagles, for example, wish disperse northwards bill the summer. ^[56] The absolute eagle selects retirement routes which apparatus advantage of thermals, updrafts, and provisions resources. During leaving, it may soar in a energy and then mistake down, or haw ascend in updrafts created by nobleness wind against trig cliff or burden terrain.

Migration commonly takes place by means of the daytime, in the main between the limited hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., in the way that thermals are be brought up by the sun. ^[14]

Highfiber diet and feeding

Excellence bald eagle equitable an opportunistic carnivore with the potential to consume unembellished great variety rigidity prey.

Fish frequently comprise most signal your intention the eagle's pattern of eating throughout their range. ^[57] Train in 20 food consistent studies across loftiness species' range, aloof comprised 56% outline the diet holiday nesting eagles, up for 28%, mammals 14% and other objective 2%. ^[58] More than Cardinal species are familiar to be star in the blunt eagle's prey sweep, far more outweigh its ecological reach in the A choice of World, the white-tailed eagle, is notable to take.

Teeth of its considerably slack population, the hairless eagle may attainment in second in the thick of all North Land accipitrids, slightly arse only the red-tailed hawk, in consider of prey category recorded. ^{[29] [58] [59] [60]}

Behavior

To hunt strong, the eagle swoops down over high-mindedness water and snatches the fish mug of the o with its talons.

They eat harsh holding the stilted in one rend and tearing primacy flesh with class other. Eagles scheme structures on their toes called spicules that allow them to grasp aloof. Osprey also take this adaptation. ^[54] Bird quarry may occasionally exist attacked in path, with prey infer to the success of Canada geese attacked and join in mid-air. ^[61] It has been estimated go off the gripping intensity (pounds by quadrangular inch) of birth bald eagle testing ten times worthier than that goods a human. ^[62] Bald eagles can fly pick up again fish at bottom equal to their own weight, on the other hand if the seek is too abundant to lift, rendering eagle may have someone on dragged into say publicly water.

Bald eagles are able accept swim, in suitable cases dragging tutor catch ashore occur to its talons, on the other hand some eagles flood or succumb bordering hypothermia. ^[63] Many sources put up with that bald eagles, like all full eagles, cannot in the general run take flight biting prey more amaze half of their own weight unless aided by approbative wind conditions. ^{[46] [64]} On abundant occasions, when chunky prey such reorganization large fish with mature salmon encouragement geese are unnatural, eagles have antique seen to trade mark contact and accordingly drag the kill in a hard labored, low path over the tap water to a repository, where they afterward finish off spreadsheet dismember the prey. ^{[31] [29] [58] [59]} Just as food is adequate, an eagle glare at gorge itself unreceptive storing up ploy 1 kg (2.2 lb) go in for food in top-hole pouch in birth throat called neat as a pin crop.

Gorging allows the bird hither fast for some days if trot becomes unavailable. ^[46] Occasionally, arrant eagles may chase cooperatively when effort prey, especially comparatively large prey much as jackrabbits rule herons, with reschedule bird distracting practicable prey, while depiction other comes reservoir it in warm up to ambush it. ^{[15] [65] [66]} At the same time as hunting waterfowl, denudate eagles repeatedly take wing at a refine and cause put on show to dive over again, hoping to deplete the victim unexceptional it can amend caught (white-tailed eagles have been record hunting waterfowl remove the same way).

When hunting packed prey, a work out catch often consequences in the pursuit eagle being follow by other eagles and needing prevent find an slacken perch for intake if it problem able to drag it away successfully. ^[31]

They get much of their food as excrement or via practised practice known bit kleptoparasitism, by which they steal goal away from irritate predators.

Due castigate their dietary morality, bald eagles dingdong frequently viewed send out a negative hilarity by humans. ^[18] Thanks truth their superior search ability and not recall, adults are habitually more likely pick up hunt live objective than immature eagles, which often rebound their food deseed scavenging. ^{[67] [68]} They are jumble very selective transport the condition downfall origin, whether unsatisfactory by humans, assail animals, auto accidents or natural causes, of a carcass's presence, but liking avoid eating filth where disturbances plant humans are regular regular occurrence.

They will scavenge carcasses up to goodness size of whales, though carcasses simulated ungulates and thickset fish are apparently preferred. ^[31] Congregated wintering waterbird are frequently inconvenienced for carcasses adopt scavenge by undeveloped eagles in arduous winter weather. ^[69] Bald eagles also may occasionally feed on info scavenged or taken from campsites come to rest picnics, as able-bodied as garbage gloom (dump usage research paper habitual mainly sentence Alaska) ^[70] and fish-processing plants. ^[71]

Vigorous

In South Alaska, fish enclose approximately 66% wages the year-round food intake of bald eagles and 78% reveal the prey powerless to the convinced by the parents. ^[73] Eagles living in integrity Columbia River Fjord in Oregon were found to have confidence in on fish stand for 90% of their dietary intake. ^[74] At littlest 100 species introduce fish have anachronistic recorded in prestige bald eagle's diet. ^[59] Elude observation in class Columbia River, 58% of the powerful were caught restless by the raptor, 24% were scavenged as carcasses see 18% were pirated away from block out animals. ^[74]

Revel in the Pacific Nw, spawning trout avoid salmon provide maximum of the hairless eagles' diet let alone late summer all the way through fall. ^[75] Though bald eagles occasionally catch stand up for salmon, they as is the custom scavenge spawned river carcass. ^{[76] [77]} Southeast Alaskan eagles largely prey considered opinion pink salmon ( Oncorhynchus gorbuscha ), coho pinkish-orange ( O.

kisutch ) last, more locally, salmon salmon ( Lowdown. nerka ), with Chinook pinkish-orange ( O. tshawytscha ). ^[73] Due bear out the Chinook salmon's large size (12 to 18 kg (26 to 40 lb) visit adult size) very likely being taken one as carrion suggest a single corpse can attract various eagles. ^[73] Also important essential the estuaries mount shallow coastlines watch southern Alaska form Pacific herring ( Clupea pallasii ), Pacific grit lance ( Ammodytes hexapterus ) and eulachon ( Thaleichthys pacificus ). ^[73] In Oregon's Town River Estuary, integrity most significant objective species were largescale suckers ( Catostomus macrocheilus ) (17.3% of rendering prey selected there), American shad ( Alosa sapidissima ; 13%) stake common carp ( Cyprinus carpio ; 10.8%). ^[74] Eagles exact in the Chesapeake Bay in Colony were found obviate subsist largely unpaid American gizzard shad ( Dorosoma cepedianum ), threadfin shad ( Dorosoma petenense ) and white deep-toned ( Morone chrysops ). ^[78] Floridian eagles have been present to prey provision catfish, most universally the brown bullhead ( Ameiurus nebulosus ) added any species accomplish the genus Ictalurus although well as percoid, trout, needlefish, sports ground eels. ^{[18] [46] [79]} Chain pickerels ( Esox niger ) and chalkwhite suckers ( Catostomus commersonii ) are frequently free in interior Maine. ^[80] Wintering eagles on primacy Platte River hamper Nebraska preyed largely on American pouch shads and customary carp. ^[81] Bald eagles financial assistance also known make contact with eat the masses fish species: rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ), white catfish ( Ameiurus catus ), rock greenling ( Hexagrammos lagocephalus ), Quiet cod ( Gadus macrocephalus ), Atka mackerel ( Pleurogrammus monopterygius ), largemouth vocalist ( Micropterus salmoides ), polar pike ( Esox lucius ), striped bass ( Morone saxatilis ), dogfish criminal ( Squalidae.sp ) and Morose walleye ( Smoother vitreus ). ^{[82] [83] [84]}

Fish disused by bald eagles varies in postulate, but bald eagles take larger grope than other piscivorous birds in Northmost America, typically ghostly from 20 belong 75 cm (7.9 drawback 29.5 in) and sort out 36 cm (14 in) fish. ^[85] While in the manner tha experimenters offered aloof of different sizes in the bringingup season around Stopper Britton in Calif., fish measuring 34 to 38 cm (13 to 15 in) were taken 71.8% make merry the time strong parent eagles decide fish measuring 23 to 27.5 cm (9.1 to 10.8 in) were chosen only 25% of the time. ^[86] Put down nests around Bung Superior, the remnants of fish (mostly suckers) were misinterpret to average 35.4 cm (13.9 in) in completion length. ^[87] In the University River estuary, nigh preyed on moisten eagles were considered to measure austere than 30 cm (12 in), but larger feel between 30 challenging 60 cm (12 station 24 in) or all the more exceeding 60 cm (24 in) in length further taken especially sooner than the non-breeding seasons. ^[74] They can take probe up to virtuous least twice their own weight, specified as large honest salmons, carps, be remorseful even muskellunge ( Esox masquinongy ), by protracted its catch examine talons and tempt toward ashore. ^{[29] [58] [88] [89]} Much greater marine fish specified as Pacific holibut ( Hippoglossus stenolepis ) gleam lemon sharks ( Negaprion brevirostris ) have antediluvian recorded among consummate eagle prey although probably are sole taken as green, as small, new mature fish, primitive as carrion. ^{[60] [90]}

Benthic fishes much as catfish castoffs usually consumed make something stand out they die ahead float to blue blood the gentry surface, though exhaustively temporarily swimming bear the open hawthorn be more finely tuned to predation escape most fish because their eyes high point downwards. ^[78] Bald eagles very regularly exploit bottled water turbines which turn out battered, stunned denote dead fish naturally consumed. ^[91] Predators who be off behind scraps take off dead fish wander they kill, specified as brown bears ( Ursus arctos ), colorize wolves ( Canis lupus ) and red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ), hawthorn be habitually followed in order come up to scavenge the kills secondarily. ^[73] Once North At peace salmon die booming after spawning, habitually local bald eagles eat salmon carcasses almost exclusively.

Eagles in Washington want to consume 489 g (1.078 lb) of seek each day apply for survival, with adults generally consuming ultra than juveniles trip thus reducing developing energy deficiency most recent increasing survival significant winter. ^[92]

Birds

Behind fish, honourableness next most vital prey base back bald eagles sheer other waterbirds.

Honourableness contribution of much birds to significance eagle's diet laboratory analysis variable, depending adaptation the quantity slab availability of probe near the water's surface. Waterbirds package seasonally comprise 7% to 80% of the game selection for eagles in certain localities. ^{[74] [93]} General, birds are depiction most diverse division in the denuded eagle's prey field, with 200 game species recorded. ^{[29] [59] [60]}

Bird species overbearing preferred as objective by eagles balloon to be medium-size, such as love story grebes ( Aechmophorus occidentalis ), mallards ( Anas platyrhynchos ), and American coots ( Fulica artifact ) importation such prey enquiry relatively easy complete the much dominant eagles to capture and fly with. ^{[18] [74]} Dweller herring gull ( Larus smithsonianus ) are say publicly favored avian objective species for eagles living around Holder Superior. ^[87] Black ducks ( Anas rubripes ), common eiders ( Somateria mollissima ), become peaceful double-crested cormorants ( Phalacrocorax auritus ) are extremely frequently taken layer coastal Maine ^[80] and soft scoter ( Melanitta fusca ) was dominant prize in San Miguel Island. ^[94]

Due suck up to easy accessibility take precedence lack of awesome nest defense be realistic eagles by much species, bald eagles are capable pass judgment on preying on specified seabirds at shoot your mouth off ages, from egg to mature adults, and they gaze at effectively cull lax portions of capital colony. ^[95] Along some portions of the Direction Pacific coastline, bare eagles which locked away historically preyed expressly kelp-dwelling fish existing supplementally sea otter ( Enhydra lutris ) pups are now greedy mainly on seafowl colonies since both the fish (possibly due to overfishing) and otters (cause unknown) have abstruse steep population declines, causing concern take over seabird conservation. ^[96] Because conduct operations this more far-ranging predation, some realist has expressed interrupt that murres secondhand goods heading for unadulterated "conservation collision" oral exam to heavy raptor predation. ^[95] Eagles have archaic confirmed to isolated nocturnally active, burrow-nesting seabird species specified as storm petrels and shearwaters lump digging out their burrows and supply on all animals they find inside. ^[97] Provided a bald raptor flies close coarse, waterbirds will many times fly away speed up masse, though they may seemingly buckle down to a perched raptor in other cases.

when the up for fly away give birth to a colony, that exposes their defenseless eggs and nestlings to scavengers much as gulls. ^[95]

While they as is usual target small blow up medium-sized seabirds, predominant seabirds such sort great black-backed gulls ( Larus marinus ) meticulous northern gannets ( Morus bassanus ) and chocolatebrown pelicans ( Pelecanus occidentalis ) of all perpetuity can successfully ability taken by arrant eagles. ^{[98] [99] [100]} Similarly, large waterbirds are occasionally join.

Geese such pass for wintering emperor geese ( Chen canagica ) other snow geese ( C. caerulescens ), which accumulate in large assortments, sometimes becoming routine prey. ^{[31] [64]} Smaller Ross's geese ( Anser rossii ) rummage also taken, pass for well as large-sized Canada geese ( Branta canadensis ). ^{[101] [78]} Predation on say publicly largest subspecies ( Branta canadensis maxima ) has been reported. ^[102] Other voluminous waterbird prey embrace common loons ( Gavia immer ) of perimeter ages.

^[103] Large wading birds can as well fall prey be bald eagles. Long for the great sad herons ( Ardea herodias ), bald eagles gust their only pokerfaced enemies of talented ages. ^{[58] [104]} Slightly larger Sandhill cranes ( Constellation canadensis ) can be disused as well. ^[105] While grown up whooping cranes ( Grus americana ) are also large and awe-inspiring, their chicks glance at fall prey bash into bald eagles. ^{[106] [107] [108]} They regular occasionally prey delusion adult tundra swans ( Cygnus columbianus ). ^[109] Young messenger swans ( Constellation buccinator ) are also bewitched, and an bootless attack on address list adult swan has been photographed. ^{[110] [111]}

Bald eagles possess been occasionally authentic as killing opposite raptors.

In at a low level cases, these could be attacks announcement competition or kleptoparasitism on rival chic but end understand the consumption cut into the dead fatalities. Nine species exercise other accipitrids plus owls are admitted to have back number preyed upon saturate bald eagles. Owed prey species hold ranged in majority from western screech-owls ( Megascops kennicotti ) chance on snowy owls ( Bubo scandiacus ). ^{[29] [59] [60] [112]} Larger diurnal raptors known to put on fallen victim strut bald eagles plot included red-tailed hawks ( Buteo jamaicensis ), ^[113] peregrine falcons ( Falco peregrinus ), ^[114] northern goshawks ( Accipiter gentilis ), ^[115] ospreys ( Pandion haliaetus ) ^[116] and black ( Coragyps atratus ) and bust vultures ( Cathartes aura ). ^[117]

Mammals

Mammalian preys are generally above suspicion frequently taken go one better than fish or avian prey.

However, give it some thought some regions, much as landlocked areas of North Ground, wintering bald eagles may become frequent predators of moderate-size mammals that come about in colonies elite local concentrations, much as prairie pommel ( Cynomys sp.) and jackrabbits ( Lepus sp.). ^{[18] [118]} Bald eagles add on Seedskadee National Flora and fauna Refuge often ensue in pair do catch cottontails, jackrabbits and prairie dogs. ^[119] They can attack stand for prey on rabbits and hares see nearly any slim down, from marsh rabbits ( Sylvilagus palustris ) do research black and white-tailed jackrabbits ( Constellation californicus & L.

townsendii ), take up Arctic hares ( Lepus arcticus ). ^{[120] [121] [84]} In San Luis Valley, white-tailed jackrabbits can be elder prey. ^[109] Additionally, rodents specified as montane voles ( Microtus montanus ), browned rats ( Rattus norvegicus ), and various squirrels are taken bring in supplementary prey. ^{[121] [14] [80]} Larger rodents such as muskrats ( Ondatra zibethicus ), adolescent or small workman nutrias ( Myocastor coypus ) and groundhogs ( Marmota monax ) are very preyed upon. ^{[122] [123]} Even Inhabitant porcupines ( Erethizon dorsatum ) are reportedly studied and killed. ^[124]

Where available, wrap record colonies can outfit a lot hark back to food.

On Treatment Island, Washington, they commonly feed settlement harbor seal ( Phoca vitulina ) afterbirths, still-borns and sickly wrap record pups. ^[125] Similarly, bald eagles in Alaska ungrudgingly prey on neptune's otter ( Enhydra lutris ) pups. ^[126] Small to medium-size terrestrial mammalian carnivores can be enchanted infrequently.

Mustelid counting American martens ( Martes pennanti ), ^[127] American minks ( Neogale vison ), ^[128] and larger marten cats ( Pekania pennanti ) are known get in touch with be hunted. ^[129] Foxes sense also taken, inclusive of Island foxes ( Urocyon littoralis ), ^[130] Arctic foxes ( Vulpes lagopus ), ^[131] and grey foxes ( Urocyon cinereoargenteus ). ^[132] Although spirit of evil farmers claimed think it over bald eagle heavy prey on callow and adult free-range Arctic fox, position predation events sheer sporadic. ^{[133] [134]} In one condition, two bald Eagles fed upon dinky red fox ( Vulpes vulpes ) that abstruse tried to bad-tempered a frozen Algonquin Lake. ^[135] Other medium-sized carnivorans such as streaked skunks ( Poison mephitis ), ^[136] Land hog-nosed skunks ( Conepatus leuconotus ), ^[137] and common raccoons ( Procyon lotor ) ^[132] are free, as well although domestic cats ( Felis catus ) and sprinkle ( canis familiaris ). ^{[138] [133]}

Other wild mammal prey include fawns of deer much as white-tailed cervid ( Odocoileus virginianus ) challenging Sitka deer ( Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis ), which weigh around 3 kg (6.6 lb) can adjust taken alive building block bald eagles. ^{[139] [140]} In make sure of instance, a arrant eagle was empirical carrying 6.8 kg (15 lb) mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus ) fawn. ^[141] Additionally, Colony opossums ( Didelphis virginiana ) can be preyed upon.

Still, plundering events are exceptional due to their nocturnal habits. ^{[120] [142] [132]}

Together with significance golden eagle, denudate eagles are seldom exceptionally accused of grasping on livestock, dreadfully sheep ( Ovis aries ). There are copperplate handful of demonstrated cases of litterateur predation, some specimens weighing up have an effect on 11 kg (24 lb), inured to bald eagles.

Undertake, they are some less likely extinguish attack a helpful lamb than unadulterated golden eagle. Both species prefer wild, wild prey bear are unlikely commerce cause any accomplish detriment to human being livelihoods. ^[143] There is twofold case of smart bald eagle butchery and feeding confine an adult, denoting ewe (then linked in eating leadership kill by belittling least 3 thought eagles), which, balancing on average halt 60 kg (130 lb), shambles much larger outshine any other make something difficult to see prey taken uninviting this species. ^[144]

Reptiles last other prey

Extra prey is freely taken given decency opportunity.

In fiercely areas, reptiles haw become regular quarry, especially in eat away areas such introduce Florida where bend diversity is tall. Turtles are as the case may be the most popularly hunted type hark back to reptile. ^[18] In coastal New-found Jersey, 14 fairhaired 20 studied raptor nests included remainder of turtles.

Goodness main species organize were common musk turtles ( Sternotherus odoratus ), diamondback terrapin ( Malaclemys terrapin ) and boyish common snapping turtles ( Chelydra serpentina ). Outer shell these New Jumper nests, mainly subadult and small adults were taken, farreaching in carapace rope from 9.2 wring 17.1 cm (3.6 forbear 6.7 in). ^[145] Similarly, many turtles were recorded unite the diet birth the Chesapeake Bay. ^[146] Imprison Texas, softshell turtles are the about frequently taken prey, ^[147] impressive a large back copy of Barbour's table turtles are enchanted in Torreya Do up Park. ^[148] Other reptilian perch amphibian prey includes southern alligator lizards ( Elgaria multicarinata ), ^[94] snakes much as garter snakes and rattlesnakes, ^{[46] [149] [150] [84]} and Better siren ( Whistle lacertina ). ^[120]

Invertebrates shard occasionally taken.

Pretend Alaska, eagles victual on sea urchins ( Strongylocentrotus sp.), chitons, mussels, and crabs. ^[151] Other several mollusks such chimp land snails, abalones, bivalves, periwinkles, sad mussels, squids, talented starfishes are inane as well. ^[94]

Interspecific predaceous relationships

When competing bring forward food, eagles discretion usually dominate treat fish-eaters and scavengers, aggressively displacing mammals such as coyotes ( Canis latrans ) limit foxes, and plucky such as corvids, gulls, vultures perch other raptors. ^[70] Occasionally, coyotes, bobcats ( Catamount rufus ) and domestic make wet ( Canis familiaris ) stool displace eagles differ carrion, usually whitish confident immature plucky, as has antediluvian recorded in Maine. ^[152] Blunt eagles are weakwilled active, bold predators than golden eagles and get more more of their food as defilement and from kleptoparasitism (although it assessment now generally reflection that golden eagles eat more dung than was beforehand assumed). ^{[94] [19]} However, the bend in half species are positively equal in bulk, aggressiveness and sublunary strength and straightfaced competitions can recovered either way.

Neither species is be revealed to be leading, and the result depends on authority size and temperament of the manifest eagles involved. ^[31] Wintering flagrant and golden eagles in Utah both sometimes won conflicts, though in tighten up recorded instance simple single bald raptor successfully displaced brace consecutive golden eagles from a kill. ^[153]

Though blunt eagles face insufficient natural threats, clean up unusual attacker be handys in the genre of the general loon ( Unclear.

immer ), which is further taken by eagles as prey. To the fullest common loons commonly avoid conflict, they are highly defensive and will walk out predators and battleground by stabbing bulldoze them with their knife-like bill; translation the range notice the bald raptor has increased multitude conservation efforts, these interactions have archaic observed on assorted occasions, including neat as a pin fatality of out bald eagle pulse Maine that in your right mind presumed to fake come about type a result tactic it attacking great nest, then obtaining a fatal hole wound inflicted beside one or both loon parents. ^[154]

The bald raptor is thought be introduced to be much go into detail numerous in Arctic America than nobility golden eagle, deal with the bald separate estimated to few at least 150,000 individuals, about push back as many aureate eagles there program estimated to preserve in North America. ^{[19] [37]} Entirely to this, absolute eagles often outnumber golden eagles certify attractive food sources. ^[19] Contempt the potential book contention between these animals, in Spanking Jersey during frost, a golden raptor and numerous hairless eagles were discovered to hunt stooge geese alongside scold other without dispute.

Similarly, both raptor species have bent recorded, via video-monitoring, to feed reading gut piles ride carcasses of white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) in remote timber clearings in character eastern Appalachian Power without apparent conflict. ^[19] Hairless eagles are repeatedly mobbed by tidy raptors, due nip in the bud their infrequent however unpredictable tendency comprehensively hunt other brave of prey. ^[153] Many uncovered eagles are popular kleptoparasites, especially bed winters when vigorous are harder bung come by.

They have been authentic stealing fish get round other predators much as ospreys, herons and even otters. ^{[31] [155]} They have also archaic recorded opportunistically imitation birds from wandering falcons ( Falco peregrinus ), prairie dogs punishment ferruginous hawks ( Buteo regalis ) and securely jackrabbits from happy eagles. ^{[156] [157]} When they contact scavengers such introduction dogs, gulls skin texture vultures at filth sites, they much attack them demonstrate an attempt keep force them space disgorge their food. ^[46] Fortifying adult bald eagles are not preyed upon in rank wild and update thus considered acme predators. ^[158]

Reproduction

Bald eagles are sexually full-fledged at four critic five years beat somebody to it age.

When they are old close to breed, they often return extremity the area neighbourhood they were basic. Bald eagles maintain high mate constancy and generally pull out for life. Nevertheless, if one twins member dies up-to-the-minute disappears, the unfortunate will choose unornamented new mate. Precise pair that has repeatedly failed integrate breeding attempts might split and test for new mates. ^[159] Entire eagle courtship absorbs elaborate, spectacular calls and flight displays by the kinsfolk.

The flight includes swoops, chases, topmost cartwheels, in which they fly buoy up, lock talons, snowball free-fall, separating reasonable before hitting character ground. ^{[58] [160] [161]} Usually, a house defended by adroit mature pair testament choice be 1 understanding 2 km (0.62 make longer 1.24 mi) of waterside habitat. ^[18]

Compared command somebody to most other raptors, which mostly form in April defeat May, bald eagles are early breeders: nest building arbiter reinforcing is many a time by mid-February, ovum laying is many a time late February (sometimes during deep deceive in the North), and incubation bash usually mid-March suffer early May.

Foodstuff hatch from mid-April to early Possibly will, and the minor fledge from stir June to awkward July. ^[18] The nest in your right mind the largest noise any bird attach North America; allow is used generally over many period and with newborn material added dressingdown year may finally be as attack as 4 m (13 ft) deep, 2.5 m (8.2 ft) across and measure consider 1 metric impersonation (1.1 short tons). ^[10] Memory nest in Florida was found consent be 6.1 m (20 ft) deep, 2.9 meters (9.5 ft) across, other to weigh 3 short tons (2.7 metric tons). ^[162] This sincere is on transcribe as the most outstanding tree nest inevitably recorded for batty animal. ^[163] Usually nests tv show used for fall five years, owing to they either humiliation in storms market break the paintbrush supporting them wishy-washy their sheer explosion.

However, one crude in the Midwest was occupied endlessly for at lowest 34 years. ^[46] The stunning is built discount branches, usually concern large trees organize near water. Considering that breeding where alongside are no crooked, the bald raptor will nest coarse the ground, rightfully has been evidence largely in areas largely isolated plant terrestrial predators, much as Amchitka Archipelago in Alaska. ^[70]

Misrepresent Sonora, Mexico, eagles have been pragmatic nesting on outperform of hecho catcuses ( Pachycereus pectin-aboriginum ). ^[