The Magnificent Bald Eagle

The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was selected as the national emblem of the United States in 1782. It is the second largest North American raptor after the California condor (Gymnogyps californianus). The female bald eagle is 25 percent larger than the male. The distinctive adult plumage—the white head and tail and dark brown body—is attained at 4.5 to 5.5 years. Florida eagles migrate northward from February through July, primarily along coastal areas and mostly to Chesapeake Bay. They eat a variety of mammalian, avian and reptilian prey, but prefer fish to other food types. They sometimes pirate fish from other species such as ospreys (Pandion haliaetus). The eagle is water dependent and usually nests close to major rivers, seacoasts, estuaries and large lakes. It nests mostly in pines (Pinus spp.) and bald cypress (Taxoduim distichum). Nest building begins one to three months prior to egg laying; in Florida this runs from late September to early October. An eagle can build its nest in less than one week up to a month. It will use the same nest year after year or use alternate nests within its nesting territory. These nests can become quite large, weighing one to two tons. Most nests are 1.5 to 1.8 meters in diameter and 0.7 to 1.2 meters tall or even larger. The nest tree is usually the largest tree available in the landscape, ranging from 20 to 60 meters in height (23 meters average in Florida). Nest trees usually have one or two snags proximal to the nest, which is most often placed in the top quarter of the tree. Active nests are decorated with fresh pine needles and Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides), warning other eagles that this nest is occupied. Courtship includes spectacular rituals such as the cartwheel

Earning extra protection in Cape Coral