Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Range

• The United States, most of Canada, part of Mexico

Habitat

• Woodlands near water sources

Diet

• Waterfowl
• Squirrels
• Prairie dogs
• Raccoons
• Rabbits
• Fish
• Carrion

Average Weight

• Males 9 lbs, Females 13 lbs

Height

• 28″ – 40″ beak to tail

Wingspan

• 6′ – 7.5′

A National Bird

Bald eagles are one of the most commonly used symbols of the United States, appearing in many seals and logos and are also part of Native American practices. They are opportunistic feeders that mainly feed on fish. They catch their prey themselves, feed on carrion, or steal from other birds.

Did You Know?

• They can lift four pounds.
• The feathers of a bald eagle weigh twice as much as the skeleton.
• They do not get their white heads until they are about 4-5 years old.
• The largest bald eagle nest on record was 9.5′ wide, 20′ high and weighed two tons.

Conservation Status

In 2007, bald eagles were removed from the endangered species list. Their population had declined mainly due to pesticides and shootings. Strict guidelines have allowed this species to become a success story for conservation.

National Treasure

Our bald eagles all sustained injuries which have prevented them from surviving on their own in the wild.

The Tulsa zoo has a long history of working to sustain bald eagled populations, including working with state and federal offices as well as rehabilitators. We often provide medical care to injured eagles in preparation for their eventual release. When injuries prove too severe to return an eagle to the wild we provide resources to stabilize them and maintain them until a more permanent home is identified.

Although the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the bald eagle from the list of threatened and endangered species under the Endangered Species Act, the bird will still be protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Both Laws prohibit killing, selling, or otherwise harming eagles, their nests, or eggs.