Species Factsheet
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Threatened
and Endangered Species Factsheet |
 Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
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Description: The bald eagle, our national bird, is the only eagle unique to North America. There are no other large black birds in North America with white heads and tails. The bald eagle's scientific name signifies a sea (halo) eagle (aeetos) with a white (leukos) head. At one time, the word "bald" meant "white," not hairless. Adults have a blackish-brown back and breast; a white head, neck and tail; and yellow feet and bill. Juvenile bald eagles are a mixture of brown and white; with young eagles having a black bill. The bald eagle is a large bird with a wingspan of 6 to 7.5 feet. Bald eagles have 7,000 feathers which protect the bird from the cold, as well as the heat of the sun, by trapping layers of air. Habitat: For nesting bald eagles require large trees or cliffs near water with abundant fish. Nests can be six feet across and six to eight feet high. Generally, the eagles follow seasonal food supplies. As lakes and streams freeze over, bald eagles must go south to find open fresh water or head to the coast. Feeding habits: Fish are a major component of the bald eagle's diet, but bald eagles will eat a variety of animals, including waterfowl, small mammals, and carrion (dead and decaying flesh). Current Iowa range: Allamakee, Benton, Black Hawk, Buena Vista, Clayton, Clinton, Dubuque, Fremont, Hamilton, Howard, Iowa, Jackson, Jefferson, Jones, Muscatine, Linn, Lucas, Sac, Washington, and Winneshiek counties. Do something WILD!: Attend a bald eagle festival. During the month of January, one can attend the Quad Cities Bald Eagle Days in Rock Island, Illinois, Dubuque Bald Eagle Watch in Dubuque, Keokuk Bald Eagle Days in Keokuk, and Muscatine Bald Eagle Watch in Muscatine.
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