Bald Eagle FAQs

Is the bald eagle a ‘Raptor’?

Yes, it is. A raptor is a bird of prey, which means that it is a flesh eating bird that kills other animals for food. The bald eagle has three major qualities, which make it a raptor. These are:

• Sharp, curved beak
• Strong feet and sharp talons
• Keen vision

A bald eagle is a diurnal raptor (others include hawks, kites, and falcons) as it hunts for food in the daytime unlike nocturnal raptors, which mainly hunt in the night (e.g. owls). Being a raptor, the bald eagle is known to mate for life with the same partner. But if its mate dies, then it usually finds another one.

Why can’t the bald eagle be kept on the ‘endangered species’ list anymore?

The status of the bald eagle has been upgraded to ‘threatened’. As of May 2004 it has even been decided to de-list it as threatened. Since the bald eagle is not endangered anymore, it cannot be kept on such a list, as this will utilize much needed funds that could have otherwise been used to protect other species that are truly endangered. Another reason is that, if endangered species that have recovered are not periodically taken off these lists, then people may begin to lose faith in such programs and this might make it difficult to acquire funds.

What can be done to help a baby bald eagle if it falls from its nest?

If a baby bald eagle has fallen from its nest, just wait and watch to see if its parents come to help it. Do not pick it up, feed it or take it to your house. If an eaglet bonds with people then its parents may not ‘accept’ it back and it will not be able to survive in the wild. If its parents have not come to its aid for some time, then you can all the Fish and Wildlife Services or any available local veterinarian or raptor center to come and save the baby eaglet.

What is the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival?

The Alaska Bald Eagle Festival is held in Haines once a year mainly in winter. The Chilkat River, north of this town has an abundance of salmon. So when food is scarce elsewhere during winter, about 3000 bald eagles migrate to Haines from as far off as Washington. This congregation of bald eagles is highest in the month of November, when the festival typically takes place. It is a way to celebrate the bald eagle and is spread over 5 days of activities such as tours and displays.

Is the exact count of feathers of a bald eagle known?

Yes, it is. An adult bald eagle has 7,192 feathers.

Can the bald eagle turn its head all the way around?

A bald eagle cannot turn its head 360 degrees but, with the help of its fourteen vertebrae in the neck, it can turn its head up to an arc of 270 degrees.

How large is a bald eagle?

A fully grown bald eagle can weigh as much as 14 pounds. It has a wingspan of 6-8 feet and a ‘lifting power’ of 4 pounds. The female bald eagle is larger that the male.

What is the lifespan of the bald eagle?

The oldest bald eagle, in the wild, is known to have lived for 23 years. If they are raised in captivity, their lifespan can be double that figure.