Mature Bald Eagle
Description:
The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), or national bird, is the only eagle unique to North America. The scientific name signifies a sea (halo) eagle (aeetos) with a white (leukos) head. At one time, the word "bald" meant "white," not hairless. The bald eagle is found over most of North America, from Alaska and Canada to northern Mexico. It can also be observed here in Pueblo West and at the Pueblo Reservoir, located just south of Pueblo West. It can have a wing span of up to eight feet and can weigh up to 15 pounds. Young (immature) Bald Eagles are dark brown in color when they fledge the nest at about 12 weeks of age, and the head and tail feathers turn predominantly white in their fourth or fifth year.
Habitat:
It inhabits areas near large bodies of water where there are plenty of fish to eat and places to roost. It prefers high trees for roosting.
Diet:
The Bald Eagle is predominantly a fish eagle.
Interesting Facts:
Bald Eagles are monogamous and remain faithful to their mate until death. Females lay one to three eggs annually in the spring time, and the incubation period is approximately 35 days. While migrating, eagles ride columns of rising air called thermals and can average speeds of 30 mph. An eagle can circle in a strong thermal to high altitudes when migrating, and then glide long distances until it finds the next column of rising air. As lakes and streams freeze over, bald eagles must go south to find open fresh water, or head to the coast.
