A national symbol of the United States, the bald eagle is an Endangered Species success story. Nearly wiped out by hunting, destruction of nesting habitat, and the chemical DDT, there were only 487 nesting pairs remaining in the wild by 1963. Today, there are more than 9,700 nesting pairs.
ORIGIN:
Most of North America
HABITAT:
Rivers, lakes and marshes
HEIGHT/WEIGHT:
10-14 lbs
Length: F: 35-37 in; M: 30-34 in
DIET:
Birds, carrion, fish and rodents
PREDATORS:
Few known predators
NATURAL DEFENSES:
Long, sharp claws
REPRODUCTION:
Lays 1-3 eggs; 35 days incubation
THREATS:
Habitat loss and illegal shooting
LIFE EXPECTANCY:
Avg 15-20 yrs
Snakes |
Turtles |
Fish | Snails |