Southern Bald Eagle Quick Reference
Some facts about the southern bald eagle are listed in the table
below.
Facts |
Description |
Characteristics |
- Adults can grow to three feet tall and have an eight-foot
wingspan.
- Only adults have a distinctive white head and tail contrasting
with a dark body. Young eagles are dark brown until they
mature. Males and females look alike.
|
Location |
- Bald eagles are found throughout North America, yet within
the United States, more eagles nest in Florida than in any
other state except Alaska.
- Many eagles travel hundreds of miles north for the summer
and return to Florida in the fall.
|
Diet |
- Preferred food is fish, yet they also eat waterfowl,
small mammals, reptiles, and dead animals such as stranded
fish and road kills.
|
Nesting |
- During the 2001-2002 Florida breeding season, over 1,100
pairs of eagles were counted averaging 1.5 young per active
nest. The total population of bald eagles is estimated at
3,000 - 4,000 birds.
- Eagles prefer to nest in tall trees within a mile of
water, usually choosing a pine. Nest sites have open views
of the surrounding area. Nesting trees are used year after
year.
- Eagles pair for life but, if one of the two dies, the
survivor will find another mate.
- Florida's eagles nest during the winter. One to four
eggs are incubated for about 32 days. Both parents help
raise their young.
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