Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Biological Overview

Habitat
Rivers, lakes, marshes, and coastlines in North America in mostly wet and warm areas.

Diet
Salmon, shad, catfish, and small mammals in North America.

Role in Ecosystem
Apex predators and scavengers.

Behavior
They soar in the air for long distances and, when needed, they walk very awkwardly. Known to hunt in the early morning.

Human Impact

Bald eagles almost went extinct because of humans. A human used pesticide (DDT) made the bald eagle population plummet to low numbers; their population went as low as five hundred nesting pairs across 48 states. Other human impacts come from big buildings such as windmills that they fly into and fall hundreds of feet, which is fatal. Habitat destruction is another issue for the bald eagle. Humans destroy their habitat and get rid of many important resources they need.

Creative Exploration

I’m a bald eagle and some people call me a seagull,
I like the salty smell of fish, it’s my favorite dish,
I’m afraid of humans every day,
So scared I always have to pray.
When I see a threat,
I make them flee into the big tree, lush and green,
My feathers are white and brown,
They are the way I make my way around town.

Isaac Messer, Greyson Nichols, Ryker Merrill

Book 5