Birds of Prey

Bald Eagle

Latin name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Weight: 10-14 pounds
Wingspan: 6-7 ½ feet
Life expectancy: 20 years

Habitat and Distribution: The Bald Eagle is the only eagle that is confined only to North America. Bald Eagles are generally recognized by their white head, neck and tail and bright yellow beak and feet. However, Bald Eagles do not get their adult plumage until 4-5 years of age. Juvenile Bald Eagles are a mixture of brown and white with the beak and eyes gradually turning yellow.

Diet: Bald Eagles feed primarily on fish but also consume small mammals, waterfowl, wading birds, and carrion. Bald Eagles can dive into the water after a fish and actually swim to shore using their powerful wings. A Bald Eagle can easily carry up to four pounds of prey in their talons.

Status: Endangered in Connecticut, threatened federally

Personal Biography: The New Canaan Nature Center's resident female Bald Eagle came to us in August 2004 as an immature from the Wildlife Center of Virginia, a wildlife rehabilitation center. The Eagle has two frozen elbows and cannot fly, thus is non-releasable.

Facts: Eagles do not have vocal cords thus sound is produced in the syrinx. Bald Eagles make a high-pitched shrill sound. An Eagle has color vision and can see at least four times as well as a human with perfect vision. An Eagle can see a rabbit moving a mile away and can see fish swimming at several hundred feet above the water.

Bald Eagles mate for life and usually return to the same nest year after year. Bald Eagle nests are generally built in trees or on cliffs, but have been seen on the ground when no other options were available. Typical nests are bowl shaped and are about 5 feet in diameter. After years of use, the nest can grow to be 9 feet in diameter and weigh two tons.

Sponsor An Animal

You can help support the care of our live animal collection by participating in our Sponsor an Animal program. Your financial support funds the cost of medications, food and personal care, as well as proper housing and upkeep of the animal enclosures. Because each animal's needs are different, the cost of sponsorship varies. For information about animals which are currently available for sponsorship e-mail Melanie Pearson, Director of Animal Care or call (203)-966-9577 x 44 .