Category: Birds of Prey
Location: Foot Safari
You might recognise the bald eagle as the majestic national bird of the United States. They have a feathered white head, (no, they’re not bald) and white tail, contrasting to their dark brown bodies and stark yellow beak and talons.
Bald eagles are found throughout North America, especially in Alaska and Canada. They also reside in Northern Mexico, although the Northwest coast of North American is their greatest stronghold due to the amount of salmon available.
Their diet is predominantly fish and bald eagles hunt by grabbing them from the surface of the water as they fly past. Their diet isn’t just fish, bald eagles are opportunistic and will scavenge from carrion (dead animals) when they find it.
You can find our bald eagles on our Foot Safari.
Name: Bald Eagle
Location: North America
Population: Estimated 150,000
Status: Least Concern
Threats: Illegal shooting and lead poisoning are primary threats. Habitat loss, power line electrocution and wind energy also contribute to deaths.
Bald Eagles represent freedom and strength due to their large wingspan and majestic appearance when they soar through the air. Before visiting our mighty birds of prey, brush up on some brilliant bald eagle facts.
They are playful! They are reportedly fans of playing with bottles and other objects as toys and passing them between each other in midair.
Bald eagles have two centres of focus. With this, they are able to see both forward and sideways at the same time.
Bald eagles tend to mate for life. They also share parenting duties, so both the male and female will take turns feeding their young.
They are record holders! They hold the record for the largest bird’s nest. Filled with sticks, grass and feathers, bald eagles will continue to use the same nest year after year.
As fish eagles, the bald eagles diet mostly consists of fish. They can catch fish from the surface of the water by grabbing them as they fly past but they are also opportunistic eaters. As well as fish, bald eagles also eat dead animals and other birds including gulls and geese.
Native to North America, bald eagles can be found in the USA, northern Mexico, Canada and about half of the population live in Alaska. They live by open waters surrounded by old-growth trees for nesting.
Bald eagles are classed as Least Concern. They were in danger of extinction around 40 years ago but their populations are now healthy, protected and growing.
A fully grown bald eagle can have an impressive wingspan of between 1.8m -2.3m. This allows it to reach 70km per hour when gliding and flapping and 160km per hour when diving.
A bald eagle’s nest is usually 4-5 feet wide and 2-4 feet deep. They generally weigh one ton but some can weigh as much as 3 tons!
Despite their impressive wingspan, bald eagles aren’t quite as tall as you might think. On average, a fully grown bald eagle is usually 0.7-0.9m tall.
When fully grown, a bald eagle can weigh anything from 3-6.3kg.
As a fish eagle, bald eagles favour the water. So, their habitat is usually along the coast or surrounding large, open lakes. They also tend to live in the forest for nesting and roosting.
See our bald eagles up close on the Foot Safari, right next to the Equatorial Express.
Step behind the scenes for a birds of prey experience to learn more about the animals and have the chance to feed them.
Meet us right next to the birds of prey for talks see the what’s on page for the up to date display times.
The Bateleur Eagle, also known simply as the Bateleur, is a medium-sized eagle and the only member of the genus Terathopius. It has long wings and a very short tail, making it unmistakable in flight
It takes them seven or eight years to reach full maturity
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The Bateleur Eagle, also known simply as the Bateleur, is a medium-sized eagle and the only member of the genus Terathopius. It has long wings and a very short tail, making it unmistakable in flight
It takes them seven or eight years to reach full maturity
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Most Tawny Owls will prey on small mammals such as rodents, small birds, frogs, fish, insects and worms.
The Tawny Owl species can be found worldwide
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Most Tawny Owls will prey on small mammals such as rodents, small birds, frogs, fish, insects and worms.
The Tawny Owl species can be found worldwide
Read more
