The Body Structure and Biological Functions of the Eagle

Haliaeetus Leucocephalus, also known as the Bald Eagle, is very important to the United States and the environment as a whole. Importantly, Psalm 11:1 “ I take refuge. How then can you say to me:Flee like a bird to your mountain. ” Once an endangered species on the brink of extinction, now the Bald Eagle is thriving. The behavior and characteristics of the bald eagle produce a screeching sight.

The bald eagle has quite a distinct body structure that makes it easily distinguishable from other birds. First, the male bald eagle is about 36 inches tall while the female is surprisingly taller being about 43 inches tall. The male bald eagle has a wingspan of 6. 6 feet, while the female has a wingspan of 8 feet. The bald eagle also has a very unique feature where its head is completely white and rounded, giving the bald appearance. But the entire body as a whole is black, white, and yellow. Both male and female bald eagles have a blackish brown back and breast, also a white head, neck, and tail. (Williams, pg1)They have yellow feet, legs and beak. With tan yellow eyes. Immature, young bald eagles have a mix of brown and white feathers, while having a black beak, and brown eyes. A Lot of immature bald eagles have mottling(spots on skin). Adult plumage develops when a bald eagle becomes sexually mature. it should take approximately five years for Bald Eagles to attain solid white head and tail feathers. For the first five years they gradually change; the beak turns from black to yellow, the eyes from brown to pale yellow, body feathers from mottled to dark brown, and head and tail feathers from mottled to solid white. A genetic mutation called lecism that affects feather pigment occurs in some bald eagles. Causing white patches on feathers. (Kiff, pg 1)

Furthermore, Bald eagles usually nest in forests nearby to large lakes, oceans, andThey also tend to avoid any well developed places like cities and populated towns. Bald eagles are sometimes tolerant of humans nearby while they are eating. When bald eagles nest in trees, they tend to use taller, sturdier trees because they allow for easy flight access and good visibility. In southern areas, Bald eagles may make a nest in mangroves and cactus. It is not a known fact yet is the male or female bird chooses where the nest will be located. Nests are typically built near the trunk, high up the tree. Bald eagles build some of the largest of all bird nests-coming in at around 5 to 6 feet in diameter and 2 to 4 feet in height and they range in shape from cylindrical to conical to flat, depending on the supporting tree. (Williams, pg 1)Both the male and female bring materials to the nest itself, but females do most of the work placing things. The inside is made from woody material. Nests usually take up to 3 months to build. They also like to gather around fish processing plants, dumps, and below dams where fish concentrate. When they perch, they like tall, mature coniferous or deciduous trees that offer a wide view. During winter seasons, they are also spotted in dry uplands searching for fish to eat especially. (Kiff, pg 1).

Next, the bald eagles diet consists of many species of fish. Examples include Salmon, herring, shad, catfish. But they also eat a variety of foods, based on what is available. Things like birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates like crabs, mammals including rabbits and muskrats. They'll take prey live, fresh, or scavenge off already dead animals. (Williams, pg 1) Bald eagles also do something called gorge. Which is ingesting a large amount of food and digesting it over several days. They can also go many days, weeks without eating. Like all eagles, Bald eagles kill their prey with their talons. Each eagle foot has four very sharp talons, 3 in the front facing the back, and one larger talon in the back facing forward. Eagles can carry away almost ⅓ their body weight. Indeed(Smith, pg 1)

In addition, at about 4-5 years old, bald eagles will choose a mating partner through a courtship procedure. The courtship includes numerous calls and aerial displays. Once occupied rttthe two birds will mate for life. Only in the case where one eagle dies or disappears will the the other find a new mate. A mating pair produces up to three eggs a year. Though it is not likely all three will survive. Both parents incubate the egg. Bald eagles are very territorial during breeding season. Their territories to vary heavily on geographic location and home ranges overlap. Suitable roosting sites tend to be in large trees near some body of water. And the eagles select them based on their height, diameter and protection from : clement weather, and predators. (Smith, pg 1) Mating usually occurs on branches or other safe perches. Timing differs by climate and latitude, but is usually between October and may. The nest is lined up with twigs, grasses and other soft materials. These nests are used year after year so they get very large, up to 13 inches in height, and 10 feet across. They lay 2 sometimes 3 eggs that are incubated by the parents in turns for 34 to 36 days. The young eagles remain in the nest for 10-12 weeks. The young are closely cared for initially but overtime are left alone while parents hunt for food. At 6 weeks old, the young are old enough to fly. (Smith, pg 1)

Furthermore, bald eagles are top predators so they impact all members of their trophic community. Their decline and recent population regain has impacted many organisms, they are even causing a decline in the common murres. These birds have been found with toxoplasma gondii as well as a protozoan, 2 genera of trematodes, igenas of acanthocephala, and 7 genera of nematodes however, bald eagles have a positive impact on the economy. (“The American Bald Eagle, pg 1) Bald eagles have been the national symbol of the united states since 1782. As a highly charismatic species, bald eagles draw bird watchers and other nature enthusiasts. In 1989 it was estimated that 20 to 30 million people are involved in bird watching activities. which may equal up to 20 billion dollars annually in revenue. And impacts from ecotourism. But the bald eagle has some negative effects on humans. However as a method of habitat management buffer zones were established around their nesting sites. Which limits human development because it limits the space we can build and construct in. You will rarely find a bald eagle a bald eagle in a zoo, but you will find them as a mascot for the philadelphia eagles. (“The American Bald Eagle, pg 1)

Lastly, In 2007, the bald eagle was removed from the endangered and threatened species list kept by the United States Wildlife service. In addition, The IUCNs red list currently considers the bald eagle as a species the bald eagle as a species of least concern of extinction. Their successful recovery is due to years of concerted conservation efforts along with the ban on the pesticide DDT in 1972. While bald eagles have a few natural enemies, threats still exist to the bald eagle. Such as habitat loss. (Bald Eagle, Pg 1) In conclusion, Bald eagles have made a major recovery from almost going extinct years ago. They serve a huge purpose as the national bird of the US. So to conclude the behavior and specific characteristics of the bald eagle produce a screeching sight.