However, there has been no reduction in the human activity most damaging to eagle populations - destruction of habitat by logging and development along watercourses. Since the 1972 ban on DDT, eagles and other birds of prey are once again producing young. Persistent and toxic compounds in fish from contaminated waters built up to high levels in the eagles' bodies, interfering with the deposition of calcium in their eggshells and making many of the eggs infertile. In the last century, reproductive impairment from pesticides (especially DDT) and heavy metals caused virtual extirpation of the few remaining bald eagles in New York and many other areas. Statusīald eagles have always been seen as competitors with humans for important wild food sources and as threats to farm animals-at one time, bounties were even offered for killing them. Many hydroelectric plants, including some in New York, provide suitable wintering habitat for bald eagles. Wintering grounds are from southern Canada south, along major river systems, in intermountain regions, and in the Great Plains. Prior to the 1900s, they used as many as 80 nest sites in New York, primarily in the northern and western parts of the state. Historically, bald eagles nested in forests along the shorelines of oceans, lakes or rivers throughout most of North America, often moving south in winter to areas where water remained open. Eagles prefer undisturbed areas near large lakes and reservoirs, marshes and swamps, or stretches along rivers where they can find open water and their primary food, fish. Life Historyĭistribution of Bald eagle in New York fromġst and 2nd Breeding Bird Atlas Records Distribution and Habitatīald eagles are wholly North American, and currently are found in every state except Hawaii, as well as throughout Canada. Since their primary prey is fish, bald eagles are sometimes called sea eagles, though they will take some mammals, waterfowl, seabirds, and carrion, especially during winter. Juvenile bald eagles are often mistaken for immature golden eagles, which are much rarer in New York.ĭespite their fierce image, bald eagles are actually quite timid and opportunistic. They are mostly chocolate brown with varying amounts of white over the body, tail, and underwings.
Immature bald eagles lack the white head and tail. The word bald in the eagle's name comes from a word in Old English that means white headed. Sexual maturity and the characteristic white head and tail are achieved at five years of age. This majestic bird is easily identified in adult plumage by its unmistakable brown body set off by a white head and tail and bright yellow bill (male and female eagles look identical, except that the female is usually about one third larger and heavier than the male, as is typical in birds of prey). One of the largest birds of prey (raptors) found in North America, bald eagles stand about 30 inches high, have a wingspan of 72-84 inches, and weigh between 8 and 14 pounds. The bald eagle was adopted as the symbol of the United States because of its independence and strength.
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