Bald eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
| Fact title | Fact data |
|---|---|
| Wingspan |
up to 2.3 m
|
| Weight |
3-4 kg
|
| Lifespan |
10-20 years
|
Found throughout North America, especially near large bodies of water, their numbers are particularly high in Alaska. They don’t develop their impressive white cap until four years old, and are fully mature at five.
They don’t develop their impressive white cap until four years old
They’re generally solitary, but come together during the breeding season. Pairs are monogamous, and perform acrobatic displays - locking talons together and spinning in the air as they freefall, breaking up before hitting the ground. They produce 1-3 eggs per season.
They eat a huge range of food, mainly fish, but will eat small mammals and carrion. Having historically suffered from intense hunting, poisoning through DDT and lead shot, they are having an impressive resurgence, with the population increasing by nearly 800% in the last 40 years.
