Bald Eagle Diet and Feeding Habits
Bald eagles primarily eat fish, with their diet varying according to location. Along the Pacific coast of North America, salmon and trout—particularly pink salmon—make up the bulk of their meals. In inland regions, they adapt by feeding on the most common local fish species. Beyond fish, bald eagles occasionally prey on other birds, including seabirds and waterfowl. Despite their reputation as fierce hunters, they are opportunistic, often scavenging carrion or stealing prey from other predators.
Nesting and Reproduction
Like other water birds, bald eagles nest on land. Their reproduction begins with internal fertilization, followed by egg-laying in some of the largest tree nests found in the natural world. These nests are reused year after year, gradually expanding until they can measure up to 13 feet (4 meters) deep, 8 feet (2.5 meters) wide, and weigh over a metric ton. Typical clutch size ranges from one to three eggs, with two being the most common.
After hatching, eaglets receive extensive parental care lasting at least five months. This investment ensures that young bald eagles develop the strength and skills required for survival in the wild.
Population and Conservation Status
Today, bald eagles cannot legally be hunted anywhere within their range, and their population is stable or even increasing. They are currently classified as a species of least concern, reflecting a healthy recovery. However, this stability is a relatively recent achievement.
A Troubled Past
In the early to mid-20th century, bald eagle populations collapsed due to a combination of hunting and widespread pesticide poisoning. The pesticide DDT was particularly damaging, as it weakened eggshells and drastically reduced hatching success. As a result, eagle numbers in the United States fell from several hundred thousand to fewer than one thousand individuals.
The crisis prompted urgent conservation action. The U.S. government banned DDT in 1972, and intensive protection programs were put in place. These efforts paid off—by the late 20th century, bald eagles were rebounding dramatically. What was once a critically endangered species is now a conservation success story.
A Symbol of Recovery
The bald eagle’s story highlights both the fragility of wildlife under human pressure and the power of conservation to reverse declines. Once nearly lost to extinction, these iconic birds now soar again across North America, stronger and more widespread than at any time in recent memory.
