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Manatee County

Audubon Society

Bald Eagle

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Name

Bald Eagle

Scientific Name

(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Why they are special:
  • America’s national bird and symbol, the Bald Eagle is one of the most recognizable raptors in North America.

  • In Florida, they are especially abundant—Florida supports one of the largest populations of nesting Bald Eagles in the lower 48 states.

Size and color:
  • Very large raptor, 28–40 inches long with a wingspan of 71–90 inches.

  • Adults: dark brown body, white head and tail, yellow bill and eyes.

  • Juveniles: mottled brown and white, without the fully white head until age 4–5.

Seasonality in Florida:
  • Year-round resident, with peak nesting season in winter (October–May).

Habitat:
  • Large lakes, rivers, coastal marshes, and estuaries.

  • Prefers areas with tall trees for nesting and abundant fish for feeding.

Diet:
  • Primarily fish, but also waterfowl, small mammals, and carrion.

  • Known for stealing food from Ospreys in dramatic aerial chases.

Behavior:
  • Nests in enormous stick nests, often reused and enlarged each year, sometimes reaching 10 feet across.

  • Strong, soaring flight with broad wings held flat; often seen perched near water.
Conservation notes:
  • Once endangered due to DDT and hunting, Bald Eagles have made a remarkable recovery thanks to legal protections and conservation.

  • Now listed as Least Concern, though they remain protected.

Best time to see:
  • Year-round, with the best viewing during the nesting season (winter months).

Fun Fact:
  • A Bald Eagle’s nest can weigh over a ton, making it the largest tree nest of any bird in North America.

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