Bald Eagle Habitat

The population of the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was affected to a large extent during the mid-20th century. There were many factors that caused this situation including the loss of habitat and the use of harmful pesticides. The Bald eagle is known the world over as a national bird of the United States of America. Due to combined efforts, today, the population of the Bald eagle has considerably improved as compared to their declining number seen years back. Here, we shall take a look at various detail associated with the Bald eagle from their habitat to their association with humans.

Bald Eagle: Description
This large bird has a total length of about 71-96 centimeters and a wide wingspan of about 168-224 centimeters. The adult Bald eagle is easily distinguishable due to its brown body and white tail and head. The female Bald eagle is quite similar in appearance to the male. Before these eagles reach of age, they have dark plumage and there is the presence of white patches on the body, tail and feathers of the wings. Some of the smallest sizes of the Bald eagle have been spotted in Florida. Here, an adult male Bald eagle was recorded to have a wingspan of around 1.8m.

Bald Eagle: Habitat
The Bald eagle is one such birds that is quite affected by human activities. This large and magnificent bird prefers habitat close to seacoast or even other water bodies such as lakes. The Bald eagle love to be in areas that have an abundance of fish. It is also generally spotted in areas that are free from human interference.

The Bald eagle is often seen in areas of North America. It prefers deciduous forest. This bird selects hardwood trees for roosting and nesting. During the breeding season, the Bald eagle shifts its location towards south from the northern areas of Canada or Alaska. This is in search of fish for food and this move usually occurs by late October.

The Bald eagle particular chooses its habitat in relation to the nests it wishes to build. These birds build large nests, which have a depth of about 2 feet and a width of about 5 feet. It lines the nests with a variety of things such as twigs, grass, moss etc.

Bald Eagle: Struggle for Survival
The number of the Bald Eagle were on a rapid decline in the mid-20th century due to loss of habitat. Besides many of these magnificent birds were shot down illegally. These birds were also directly affected due to harmful pesticide and the use of DDT. This resulted in the bird being listed as one of the endangered species. Thus, came the enforcement of environmental laws, which also banned the use of DDT. The numbers of the Bald eagle were restored and on the 12th of July 1995, this bird was taken off the list of endangered species thanks to the conservation efforts. Even then, reports still reveal these birds are being harassed in the wild. This is possibly due to the use of traps or even due to destruction of their natural habitat.

There are many wildlife organizations dedicated to the survival of these birds. What you can do is keep an open eye to note all observation with regards to their habitat and nesting areas and report to the concerned organization about any disturbances that interferes in their natural life. With every person doing his/her bit for the environment, we can surely bring back many species from the brink of being extinct or threatened.