About the Bald Eagle

The Bald Eagle is a large raptor known for its white head and tail. Young eagles develop the distinctive white markings after they are 5 years old. They are Alaska's largest resident bird of prey with a wingspan up to 7 feet and weighing 8 to 14 pounds, with females larger than males.

Alaska is home to about 30,000 Bald Eagles, more than anywhere else in the United States. They are found mostly along the coast, offshore islands, and Interior lakes and rivers. The islands of southeast Alaska have the greatest number of nests per acre.

Bald Eagles often reuse and repair the same nest each year, and their nest trees are usually close to water. Pairs gather nest material in April, and lay 2-3 eggs. A month later, they begin to hatch, and the older, stronger chick may push the younger chick out of the nest. The surviving chick will leave the nest about 75 days later. Their primary food is fish, but they will also eat smaller birds, mammals, shellfish, and carrion. Most Bald Eagles winter in the southern part of the Alaska; some leave the state.