Antelope / Brown Bear / Caribou / Condor / Cougar / Crane / Bald Eagle / Leopard Frog / Wolf / Manatee / Marten / Polar Bear / Sea Otter / Rattle Snake / Leatherback Turtle / Wolverine

Bald Eagle

HABITAT:

The bald eagle historically ranged throughout North America except extreme northern Alaska and Canada, and central and southern Mexico.

DESCRIPTION:

The bald eagle is a large raptor. The characteristic adult plumage consists of a white head and tail with a dark brown body. Young ones do not develop the majestic white head and tail until the fifth or sixth year. Fish are the primary food source but they will also take a variety of birds, mammals, and turtles (both live and as carrion) when fish are not readily available. Adults average about 1 m. from head to tail, weigh approximately 5 to 6 kilos and have a wingspread that can reach 2 m. Generally, female bald eagles are somewhat larger than the males.

THREATS:

The use of DDT after World War 2, to control mosquitos had a drastic effect on the bald eagle as a result of foraging on contaminated food which affected their egg shells, and became thin and easily broken in the nest.

North America / South America / Australia / Ocean / Eurasia / Africa
Shane's Bio / Kristine's Bio / Bibliography / Home / Games / Causes / Quotes