Haliaeetus leucocephalus
STATUS: Delisted! - See http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/baldeagle.htm
DESCRIPTION: The bald eagle is a large raptor. The characteristic adult plumage consists of a white head and tail with a dark brown body. Juvenile eagles are completely dark brown and do not fully develop the majestic white head and tail until the fifth or sixth year. Fish are the primary food source but bald eagles will also take a variety of birds, mammals, and turtles (both live and as carrion) when fish are not readily available. Adults average about three feet from head to tail, weigh approximately 10 to 12 pounds and have a wingspread that can reach seven feet. Generally, female bald eagles are somewhat larger than the males.
Breeding pairs of bald eagles unite for life or until the death of their mate. The breeding season varies throughout the U.S., but typically begins in the winter for the southern populations and progressively shifts toward spring the further north the populations occur. The typical nest is constructed of large sticks and lined with soft materials such as pine needles and grasses. The nests are very large, measuring up to six feet across and weighing hundreds of pounds. Many nests are believed to be used by the same pair of eagles year after year. Female eagles lay an average of two eggs; however, the clutch size may vary from one to three eggs. The eggs are incubated about 35 days. The young fledge 9 to 14 weeks after hatching and at approximately 4 months the young eaglets are on their own.
Bald Eagles in North Carolina:
How many bald eagle nests are there in North Carolina? In 1982, there were zero bald eagle nests in North Carolina. In 1998, there were 17 nests; in 2000, there were 34 nests! Several new nests have located so far during the 2002 nesting season.
There is also information available on Bald Eagles nesting at Lake James.
For additional information regarding this Web page, contact John Hammond, in Raleigh, NC, at john_hammond@fws.gov
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