Scientific Name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Common Name(s): Bald Eagle

© Andy Morffew

Identification:

The bald eagle is the iconic national bird of the United States and is thus recognizable by most people in North America. This eagle has a white head and tail, a dark brown body, and bright yellow beak and feet. This bird ranges from 28-40inches in length and 71-91inches in wingspan, while weighing in at 6.5-13.9lbs. Females are typically 25% larger than males, averaging 12lbs, while males average 9lbs. The call of the Bald Eagle can be described as a series of sharp chirping whistles.

© Mad Max 

Range:

Haliaeetus leucocephalus is native to North America where it inhabits nearly all the North American landmass. The bald eagle is considered a breeding resident along the western coast of North America from Northern California to the Southern Alaskan coast, as well as the Great Lakes area and in parts of Central and Southern United States. In most of Canada and Alaska it is considered a summer breeding visitor, while in the rest of North America it is considered a winter visitor.

Ecology:

Being a sea eagle, bald eagles are mainly piscivorous, feeding on fish. They have been found to rely on fish common to the area, including different species of salmon, shad, bass, and catfish. Bald eagles can harvest relatively large fish. While most captured fish range from 10-15inches, the largest captured fish has been observed to be up to 34inches in length. Although mainly piscivorous, they are also opportunistic carnivores consuming a variety of prey items. Despite being powerful predators, they usually avoid prey that could offer resistance, with the average size of prey being less than 6.6lbs. In addition, they typically attain most of their food as carrion, either found or stolen from other predators.

Bald eagles are powerful birds capable of great feats of flight. Using wind currents and flapping, they can reach speeds of 43mph, and while carrying a larger fish may still reach speeds of up to 30mph. Bald eagles also hold the record for heaviest load carried for a flying bird which was a mule deer fawn weighing 15 pounds. When hunting, these eagles may dive to achieve speeds of 99mph.

Due to their reliance on fish, bald eagles are mainly found in wetland type areas, including lakes, streams, swamps, and marshes. However, bald eagles are sensitive to human disturbance and typically inhabit areas with very little human activity. Older growth forests are required with large trees to accommodate their nests. Bald eagles have the largest bird nests in North America, and the largest tree nests of any animal in the world. Nests are up to 13 feet deep, 8 feet wide, and weigh about 2,200 lbs. Bald eagles attain sexual maturity around four years of age and mate for life. Mating rituals consist of complicated flight patterns and freefalls involving both birds. Nest building and egg-laying occur around February.

Special Notes:

Being recently endangered, and as the national bird of the United States, bald eagles are protected under federal law. Only permanently disabled birds are allowed to be held in captivity, and only by educational institutions and Native American tribes with religious permits. The National Eagle Repository, a division of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, processes deceased eagles for preservation and for feather harvesting for use in Native American religious ceremonies.

Because of their propensity for prey theft and scavenging, bald eagles have historically had a negative reputation. Benjamin Franklin made note of the bald eagles behavior in a 1784 letter, stating:

For my own part. I wish the bald eagle had not been chosen the representative of our country. He is a bird of bad moral character. He does not get his living honestly … besides he is a rank coward: The little king bird not bigger than a sparrow attacks him boldly and drives him out of the district.

Although in modern culture, bald eagles are typically associated with the American idea of freedom and greatness, as well as the human ability to save a species from extinction.

Here in Bella Vista, bald eagles have been seen around all of the lakes.  These birds can be observed easily in the fall, when there is less foliage, and more of them due to migration.  At last count, in 2008, there were 146 bald eagle nests in Arkansas, and it is likely the number of nests has increased.  Let’s hope they decide to nest right here in Bella Vista, too!