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Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Family: ACCIPITRIDAE
Order: Falconiformes
Spanish Common Name: Águila cabeza blanca
French Common Name: Pygargue à tête blanche
(c) Howard B. Eskin |
Courtesy Kenn Kaufman |
Annual Population Indices |
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Conservation Status
Global Population: 330,000
Continental Population: 330,000
Watchlist Status: 
Audubon State of the Birds Status: Increasing population, no current conservation concerns
Endangered or Threatened Status: Threatened
The Bald Eagle is not only the well-known symbol of the United States of America, but also one of the best-known success stories in wildlife conservation. With a seven-foot wingspan, this massive bird of prey may now be seen soaring in every state and province in North America at some point during the year.
Range & Distribution
Today, Bald Eagles occur across the continent of North America and into northern Mexico. While Alaska and parts of Canada have long enjoyed healthy Bald Eagle populations, this magnificent bird was a rare sight in the lower 48 states during much of the 20th century. In 1970 the species began to increase, leading to the broad distribution we see today.
A legend for the range map to the right can be found here.
Population Status & Trends
From near extinction in the lower 48 United States in the middle of the 20th century, this species has made a remarkable recovery. In 1963 there were only 417 nesting pairs in the lower 48 states; currently, there are at least 7,066 nesting pairs. Christmas Bird Count and Breeding Bird Survey data confirm a significant increase in population numbers.
An explanation of the Annual Population Indices graph displayed to the right can be found here.
Conservation Issues & Efforts
Loss of habitat, shooting, and especially poisoning by the pesticide DDT, were responsible for this species’ once-precipitous decline. Increased legal protection, including placing the species on the Endangered Species List and banning the use of DDT, has brought this bird back from the edge. In 1995 the bird was reclassified as “Threatened;” today, it is being considered for removal from both the Endangered and Threatened Species Lists altogether.
What You Can Do
For actions you can take, including Audubon activities, please visit our resources page.
For More Information
References
Buehler, D. A. 2000. Bald Eagle (Halieaeetus leucocephalus). In The Birds of North America, No. 564 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.
Kaufman, Kenn. Lives of North American Birds. Houghton Mifflin Company, New York, 1996.
Sibley, David Allen. 2000. The Sibley Guide to the Birds. Alfred A. Knopf, New York.
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