American Eagle

The American Eagle or the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is found in America only. These large birds are easy to recognize by their blackish-brown breast and back and white head, neck and tail. It’s the only dark-colored bird with white head and tail in America. Bald Eagles in the northern parts of their range are significantly larger than their southern relatives. As it is with most eagles, female Bald Eagles are larger than males.

Like all other raptors, the American Eagle is at the top of the food chain. It’s a member of the sea and fish eagle group, because fish of both fresh and salt water sources is the typical prey for the species. While specializing in fish, American Bald Eagles sometimes take ducks and other water birds, hares, mice, snakes, and even carrion. Contrary to a common myth, American Eagles never raid domestic livestock because they are unable to lift a prey heavier than 4 pounds. American Bald Eagles prefer remote places and will not come close to farms to take advantage of chickens and domestic pets.

When fishing or hunting, the American Eagle circles high in the sky and watches for a prey. These birds are able to spot a fish swimming near the surface of water, even if the back of the fish is dark. After spotting a prey, the eagle approaches it in a shallow glide and snatches it out of the water with its talons. It happens that a large fish drags a Bald Eagle into the water, if it cannot open its talons. Eagles can fly only when their feathers are dry. They are able to swim in warm water, but if the water is cold, they are quickly overcome by hypothermia.

Every adult American Bald Eagle patrols a home range of 1,700 to 10,000 acres. The size of the home range of the birds of prey depends on food availability, population density and human encroachment. Bald Eagles prefer sea shores and areas along large rivers and lakes. Only about 10% of all attacks of the American Bald Eagle are successful. That’s why this species can consume very much when the food is available. An eagle is able to eat a pound of fish in a few minutes and then do without food for several days. To survive, the American Eagle has to be a very efficient hunter and fisher.