BIRDS

Bald Eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Family Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles)

Size: 30–40", females larger than males

Range: Throughout the United States

Habitat: Lakes, rivers with tall perches or cliffs

The bald eagle is a large raptor that is widespread but fairly uncommon. It eats fish or scavenges dead animals, and congregates in large numbers where food is abundant. Its plumage is dark brown, contrasting with its white head and tail. Juveniles show white splotching across the wings and breast. The yellow bill is large and powerful, and the talons are large and sharp. In flight, it holds its wings fairly flat and straight, resembling a long plank. Bald eagles make huge nests of sticks high in trees.

Track size: 4" wide x 6 ½" long

Description of Track: Feet are artiodactyl, with toe one to the rear and toes two, three, and four to the front. All toes are thick with bulbous segments and blunt tips. The rear toe is nearly as long as the front ones. The claws are long and curved for gripping prey, as in most raptors, and register some distance from the end of the toes. The central metatarsal pad is not prominent, and often there is a negative space in the center of the track. The normal gait is a walk, and the track is similar to the golden eagle.