In the 20th century, bald eagles were threatened by hunting, habitat destruction, and the use of pesticides.

Today, bald eagles are no longer considered endangered and their populations are stable. Conservation efforts such as the banning of DDT, a harmful pesticide, have helped to increase their populations.

Scientific Name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Size: Their wingspan ranges from 5.5 to 7.5 ft.

Weight: Their weight can range from 7 to 14 lbs. with females being larger than males.

Bald Eagle at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Nutrition
Bald eagles are carnivorous and primarily feed on fish, but also eat small mammals, birds, and carrion. They are skilled hunters and can dive at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour to catch prey
Current and Historic Range
They are found throughout North America, from Alaska and Canada to northern Mexico.
Habitat
Bald eagles are found in various habitats such as forests, wetlands, and along coastlines.
Reproduction
The female lays 1-3 eggs each year and both parents take turns incubating the eggs for about 35 days. The chicks hatch out covered in gray downy feathers and are completely dependent on their parents for food and protection.
Bald eagles mate for life and usually build large nests in tall trees near bodies of water. They often return to the same nest each year and add to it over time, resulting in nests that can weigh up to two tons.
Physical Characteristics
Bald eagles are known for their impressive wingspan, which can reach up to 7 feet. They are also one of the largest birds of prey in North America, weighing up to 14 pounds.