Kaleena Kessling Core 2, 3, 4, 5 Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle
Species Statistics Bird Weight: – Both male and female: pounds Height – Male: 30 to 34 inches – Female: 35 to 37 inches Wing Span – Male: 72 to 85 inches – Female: 79 to 90 inches
Life Span Captivity: years Wild: years Life Cycle: -Juveniles are brown and white with black beaks (Takes 5 years to mature into adult coloring) -Sexual 4/5 years -Mate for life -Lay 2/3 eggs -Male and female incubate eggs for 35 days. -Some migrate when Northern lakes and rivers freeze.
Vital Statistics Carnivore Fish Carrion
Vital Statistics cont. Bald Eagle dies in the wild from: After the death- bald eagle is eaten by decomposers (Bacteria) and larger scavengers Hunting
Differences in Sexes Male Smaller than females Female Larger than males Wider/broader beak During incubation period male brings sprigs of conifer branches into the nest
Habitat and Ecosystem Live in nests in large trees near rivers/coasts Ecosystem: Forests and mountain areas in North America As of about 70,000 eagles remain
Helpful Adaptations Keen Eyesight: 4x better than 20/20 Sharp hooked beak Long broad wings Razor sharp talons
Unusual Features Eagles do not have vocal cords. But still make high-pitched, shrill squeaking and screeching sounds via the air that passes the bones in their neck. Can see an animal as small as a mouse from a mile away Can see an animal as small as a mouse from a mile away When newly hatched eaglets eyes are open and they are covered in light grey down feathers.
World Map Found in North America (Most of the U.S., Alaska, and parts of Mexico)
Range Map
Reasons for Endangerment Hunting Power lines DDT Poisoning
What is being done? 1. Breeding and nesting programs 3. Beak Repair programs 2. It is extremely illegal to hunt the Bald Eagle (Big fine$ and prison time)
What can YOU do? Adopt an Eagle in your name Begin a recycling program in my town Write a letter to President Obama and Alaska Legislatures about passing a law about mandatory clean up of used fishing line.