Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)  

Adult Eagle

 

 

 

Description: 30 to 43 inches tall, wing span 78 to 96 inches. Adults over five years old have snow-white head, neck, and tail; brownish black body and a yellow bill. Immature eagles are brown, except for whitish wing linings and, usually whitish blotches on under parts. Head and tail will gradually whiten with each molt as birds attain adulthood. Voice: A thin, chittering note. Habitat: Most often on or near seacoasts; also large lakes and rivers where fish are abundant. Nesting: One to three white eggs in large nest of sticks usually placed in tall trees, especially conifers. In the northwest this bird will choose a nesting tree that is obscured by a dense stand of younger trees. Nests are renovated year after year, increasing the in size until they break or the tree comes down. Range: Throughout North America, along almost any body of water, especially rivers. Hunting, poaching, encroachment of civilization and pesticides have contributed to diminished populations.

Immature Eagle