As the national emblem of the USA, the Bald Eagle is easily recognised in mature plumage. Although they can be observed stooping from heights of 100m in order to catch prey, their most frequent tactic is to sit on a branch and watch & wait. They are a strong, bold bird who is not averse to mugging others in order to gain an easy meal. Bald means devoid of colour i.e. white. Bill is the 6th Bald Eagle I have handled over the years; all have been about the same size – 8 to 10lbs in weight, females being larger than the male. Their wing span is approximately 5ft+. Five out of six are still going strong. All our birds of prey are domestically bred and Bill’s parents live at Eagle Heights in Kent. He, like his predecessors, is a nervy bird, preferring to judge new things from a distance.
Scientific Name:
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Status:
Least concern
Size:
Up to 2300mm wingspan
Habitat:
Wetlands, lakes, river banks, coasts
Diet:
Piscivore
