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SPECIES PROFILE
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Haliaeetus
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Aves
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Throughout North America from Alaska to Florida; densest populations in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska
DIET
Carnivore
HABITAT
Near large bodies of water including rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and coastlines; nests in tall old-growth trees near water
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Aves
ORDER
Accipitriformes
FAMILY
Accipitridae
GENUS
Haliaeetus
📋 Description
SIZE
Body 70–102 cm; wingspan 1.8–2.3 m; weight 3–6.3 kg
COLORATION
Adults: white head and tail, dark brown body, yellow bill and feet; immatures mottled brown for 4–5 years before attaining adult plumage
ADAPTATIONS
Hooked beak for tearing fish; powerful talons; keen eyesight detecting prey from 3 km; strong flier using thermals for soaring
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Near large bodies of water including rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and coastlines; nests in tall old-growth trees near water
DIET
Carnivore
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Throughout North America from Alaska to Florida; densest populations in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska
REPRODUCTION
Monogamous pair reuses the same nest (eyrie) for decades, adding material each year; 1–3 eggs; both parents incubate for 35 days
DIET DETAILS
Fish (especially salmon) are the primary prey; also waterfowl, small mammals, and carrion; piracy of other raptors' prey is common
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Historical decline from DDT causing eggshell thinning; now recovering; lead poisoning from ingested shot remains a concern
💡 Interesting Facts
1
The Bald Eagle's iconic status belies a turbulent history — by 1963 only 417 nesting pairs remained in the continental US due to DDT poisoning; the species was removed from the Endangered list in 2007.
2
Bald Eagles don't develop their distinctive white head and tail until 4–5 years old; the scientific name Haliaeetus leucocephalus means "white-headed sea eagle."
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Skagit River Bald Eagle Natural Area near Concrete, WA, hosts hundreds of eagles feeding on spawning salmon in winter
Olympic National Park near Port Angeles, WA, has nesting Bald Eagles along the Elwha River and coastline
Oregon Coast near Astoria, OR, has resident Bald Eagles nesting along the Columbia River estuary
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round. Concentrations peak December to February along salmon rivers; nesting activity visible March to July.
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
December to February along the Skagit and Nooksack rivers in WA for winter salmon feeding aggregations; summer nesting pairs visible in Olympic National Park.
