Bald Eagle Scientific Name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus Federal Status: Threatened • State Status: Threatened

Description Eagles require 4 or 5 years to reach Robertson, Rusk, Sabine, San Augus- The Bald Eagle is one of nature’s full adult plumage, with distinctive tine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Smith, most impressive birds of prey. Males white head and tail feathers. Trinity, Victoria, Walker, Wharton, generally measure 3 feet from head and Wood counties. to tail, weigh 7 to 10 pounds, and Distribution In Texas, Bald Eagles nest in have a wingspan of 6 to 7 feet. and Habitat areas along river systems, reservoirs Females are larger, some reaching 14 The Bald Eagle, our National Symbol, or lake shores with large, tall (40- pounds with a wingspan of up to 8 occurs throughout the United States, 120 ft.) trees for nesting and roost- feet. Adults have a white head, neck, Canada, and northern Mexico. Bald ing. Nests are usually located within and tail and a large yellow bill. Eagles are present year-round 1 mile of water, such as lakes, reser- throughout Texas as spring and fall voirs, creeks or rivers, and are often migrants, breeders, or winter resi- dents. The Bald Eagle population in Texas is divided into two popula- tions; breeding birds and nonbreed- ing or wintering birds. Breeding populations occur primarily in the eastern half of the state and along coastal counties from Rockport to Houston. Nonbreed- ing or wintering pop- ulations are located primarily in the Panhan- dle, Central, and East Texas, and in other areas of suitable habitat through- out the state. Nesting Range The Bald Eagle in Wintering Range Texas formerly nested in Migratory else- the Panhandle, throughout where in State East Texas, and at localized sites in central Texas. Populations located in the ecotone or edge declined throughout the lower 48 between forest and marsh or water. states during the 1900’s with habitat Bald Eagles often build their nests in destruction and use of pesticides the tallest trees in an area, providing detrimental to the species. Nesting an unobstructed view and flight path populations are now increasing in to the nest. Nests are built in a vari- most areas of the country. Active ety of tree species. Eagles nest pri- nests in Texas increased from 13 in marily in loblolly pine in East Texas. 1982 to 117 in 2003. Breeding terri- Throughout the rest of it’s Texas tories are located mostly along rivers breeding range, nests are found in a and near reservoirs in East Texas, the variety of trees, including bald Post Oak region, and the Gulf Coast. cypress, water oak, live oak, Ameri- Bald Eagle The nesting near reservoirs by Bald can elm, cottonwood, sycamore, and © TPWD Eagles is a rather recent event, since pecan. Open water or wetland areas First year birds are mostly dark this habitat type was not available to located within approximately 1 mile and can be confused with immature eagles historically. As of 2003, Bald of nesting habitat are needed to pro- Golden Eagles. Immature Bald Eagles Eagle nests are known to occur in vide feeding areas. have blotchy white on the under wing Angelina, Austin, Bastrop, Bell, Most of the Bald Eagles seen in and tail, compared with the more Bosque, Brazoria, Burleson, Calhoun, Texas breed in the northern states sharply defined white pattern of Cass, Chambers, Colorado, Fayette, and spend the winter (December Golden Eagles. While gliding or soar- Fort Bend, Freestone, Goliad, Grimes, through March) in Texas. Wintering ing, Bald Eagles keep their wings flat, Harris, Henderson, Jackson, Jasper, populations may occur statewide, but and their wing beats are slow and Kaufman, Lavaca, Liberty, Limestone, generally are found near large lakes smooth. In contrast, Turkey Vultures Llano, Marion, Matagorda, Mont- soar with uplifted wings, and they fly gomery, Nacogdoches, Navarro, Nava- with quick, choppy wing beats. Bald sota, Newton, Panola, Polk, Refugio, Bald Eagle 1 and reservoirs, such as Lake Meredith, ies in Texas have shown that eagles Buffalo Lake, Lake Texoma, Wright-Pat- commonly eat coots, catfish, rough man Lake, Lake O’ the Pines, Lake fish, and soft-shell turtles. Fork, Lake Tawakoni, Lake Whitney, In Texas, Bald Eagles nest from Lake Fairfield, Toledo Bend Reservoir, October to July. Nests are con- Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Lake Liv- structed primarily by the female, with ingston, Lake Conroe, Lake Buchanan, the male assisting. The typical nest is Lake Cooper, Lake Palestine, Lake Pat constructed of large sticks, with Mayse, Lake Warren, and Palo Duro softer materials such as leaves, grass, Lake, or in the rice growing region and Spanish moss used as nest lining. hunting waterfowl. Nests are typically used for a number Bald Eagle wintering habitat is of years, with the birds adding nest characterized by abundant, readily material every year. Bald Eagle nests available food sources. Most wintering are often very large, measuring up to areas are associated with open water 6 feet in width and weighing hun- or waterfowl concentration areas, dreds of pounds. Eagles often have where eagles feed on fish or water- one or more alternative nests within fowl. Wintering populations are also their territories. found on rangelands of the Davis Peak egg-laying occurs in Mountains, western Edwards Plateau, December, with hatching primarily and the Panhandle, where eagles may in January. The female lays a clutch Mature Bald Eagles © USFWS take rabbits and feed on carrion. of 1 to 3 eggs, but the usual clutch is The availability of night roost 2 eggs. A second clutch may be laid sites is often an important characteris- if the first is lost. Incubation begins tic of wintering habitat. Bald Eagles when the first egg is laid and usually may roost singly or in groups, and the lasts 34 to 36 days. The young gener- same roosts are used from year to ally fledge (fly from the nest) in 11 year. Roost trees are usually the old- to 12 weeks, but the adults continue est and largest trees in an area, and to feed them for another 4 to 6 most have large horizontal limbs and weeks while they learn to hunt. open branching that allows plenty of When they are on their own, young room for takeoff and landing. Eagles Bald Eagles migrate northward out of generally choose roosts that allow Texas, returning by September or unobstructed visibility to the sur- October. rounding areas, with a minimum of Nest surveys in Texas from human activity in the immediate vicin- 1981-2003 have shown that greater ity. Roost sites are often located near than 80% of the active nesting terri- water, but eagles also roost on wind- tories successfully produced young, Young eagles in nest breaks and in secluded canyons well with production averaging greater © TPWD Jim Whitcomb away from water. than 1 young per active nest found. opment along the coast and near Studies show that at least 70% of the inland rivers and waterways is a pri- Life History juveniles survive their first year. mary cause of habitat loss. There are, Bald Eagles are opportunistic preda- Causes of first year mortality include however, encouraging signs in Texas tors. They feed primarily on fish, but disease, lack of food, inclement that a significant amount of new habi- also eat a variety of waterfowl and weather, and human interference. tat has been created in the form of other birds, small mammals, and tur- Bald Eagles reach sexual matu- man-made reservoirs. Most reservoirs tles, when these foods are readily rity at 4 to 6 years of age; however, in eastern Texas, especially those bor- available. Carrion is also common in they have been known to successfully dered by national forests, are used by the diet, particularly in younger breed at 3 years. They are monoga- nesting eagles, and are also used to birds. Bottom-dwelling fish tend to mous and are believed to mate for some degree by wintering birds. occur more frequently in the diet. It life; however, if one of the pair dies, Hopefully, if human disturbance is is thought that the downward visual the surviving bird will accept another kept to a minimum, a redistribution orientation of bottom-feeding fish mate. Bald Eagles are believed to live of nesting to reservoirs may offset makes them more vulnerable to eagle up to 30 years or more in the wild. some habitat loss in other areas. attacks than surface sight-feeders, Shooting has long been recog- which are more aware of movements Threats and Reasons nized as a major human-caused factor from above. Eagles capture fish by for Decline in the decline of Bald Eagles. extending their talons a few inches Habitat loss over the past 200 years is Although primarily fish and carrion below the water’s surface. Therefore, the factor most consistently associated eaters, eagles were thought to be a live fish are vulnerable only when with declines in Bald Eagle popula- major threat to chickens, livestock, near the surface or in shallows. Stud- tions. Unfortunately for eagles, peo- and game animals. As a consequence, ple also like to live and spend their many were killed by farmers, ranch- leisure time near water. In recent ers, and hunters. In 1940, Congress 2 Bald Eagle decades, the accelerated pace of devel- passed the Bald Eagle Protection Act, eagles in some instances. However, the tive, accumulation of lead in the food impact of these disturbances is highly chain is expected to decline. variable, depending on the activity, its Since 1981, Texas Parks and frequency and duration, its proximity Wildlife Department has conducted to areas used by eagles, the extent to extensive aerial surveys to monitor which the activity modifies the habitat Bald Eagle nesting activity. The 2003 or its use, and timing in relation to the survey identified 117 active nests reproductive cycle. Also, some birds which fledged at least 144 young. are more tolerant of disturbance than This compares with only 7 known others, with adults generally less toler- nest sites in 1971. Midwinter Bald ant than immature birds. Despite this Eagle counts coordinated by TPWD variability, disturbance near nests has and conducted by birding enthusiasts caused nesting failures. throughout the state reported 325 Finally, the most dramatic eagles in 2002. From 1986-1989, declines in Bald Eagle populations midwinter counts averaged less than nationwide resulted from environ- 15 Bald Eagles per survey site. Since mental contaminants. Beginning in 1990, the average number of eagles 1947, reproductive success in many per survey site has increased to 18. areas of the country declined sharply, These numbers show encouraging and remained at very low levels trends for Texas. With continued vig- through the early 1970’s. After sev- ilance, protection, and informed man- eral years of study, the low reproduc- agement, today’s Texans can insure tion of Bald Eagles and many other that future generations will have the birds was linked to widespread use of opportunity to enjoy the sight of our the insecticides DDT and Dieldren. majestic national symbol – the only These insecticides were used exten- eagle unique to North America. sively in agriculture and forestry beginning in 1947. As DDT entered Recovery Efforts watersheds, it became part of the Bald Eagle nest During the 1970’s and 1980’s, major © TPWD Leroy Williamson aquatic food chain, and was stored as efforts were directed toward captive DDE in the fatty tissue of fish and breeding and reintroducing young waterfowl. As eagles and other birds birds into the wild. A total of 124 of prey fed on these animals, they Bald Eagles were hatched at the accumulated DDE in their systems. Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Although occasionally causing Maryland from 1976-1988. These death, DDE mainly affected reproduc- captive-hatched eaglets were an tion. Some birds affected by the important source for restocking wild chemical failed to lay eggs, and many populations. One successful reintro- produced thin eggshells that broke duction program placed young eaglets during incubation. Eggs that did not in the nests of adults whose own eggs break were often addled or contained were infertile or failed to hatch. The dead embryos, and the young that “foster” parents readily adopted the hatched often died. Dieldren killed chicks and raised them as their own. Juvenile Bald Eagles eagles directly rather than causing Another method, called “hacking” © TPWD Mark Mitchell thin eggshells, but compared to DDT, places young birds on man-made tow- which made it illegal to shoot or Dieldren was probably not as impor- ers in suitable habitat where popula- harass eagles. In 1969, Bald Eagles tant in overall Bald Eagle declines. tions are low. The nestlings are kept gained further legal protection under In 1972, the EPA banned the use of in an enclosure and fed by humans federal endangered species laws. DDT in the United States. Since the that stay out of sight. When they are With heightened public awareness ban, DDE residues in Bald Eagle able to fly, the enclosure is opened and sensitivity to the plight of the eggshells have dropped significantly, and the birds are free to leave. Food Bald Eagle, coupled with strict laws, and a slow recovery of eagle produc- is still provided at the release site shooting mortality has declined from tivity has occurred. Most populations until no longer used or needed by the 62% of total reported deaths from appear to be producing chicks at the young birds. Hacking has been used 1961-1965 to 18% from 1975-1981. expected rate. very successfully in at least 11 states. Although this downward trend is Of more recent concern is evi- In Texas, the greatest challenge encouraging, shooting mortality dence that lead poisoning may be a for the future will be to prevent fur- could still be a limiting factor, partic- significant cause of death in eagles. ther destruction of habitat and reten- ularly in remote areas. Chronic low levels of lead can pro- tion of sufficient creek and river flows Human disturbance can also be a duce nervous system disorders, affect to support a food base for breeding cause of population decline. Activities behavior and learning, cause anemia, and wintering eagles. The Texas such as logging, oil exploration and and increase susceptibility to disease. extraction, construction, and recre- As laws requiring the use of steel ational activity certainly do disturb shot to hunt waterfowl become effec- Bald Eagle 3 Parks and Wildlife Department, in Department (TPWD) Field Offices, cooperation with landowners, other most State Parks, and the License agencies and conservation groups, is Branch of TPWD headquarters in continuing to monitor breeding and Austin. Conservation organizations wintering Bald Eagle populations. in Texas also welcome your participa- Monitoring of nesting success is par- tion and support. Finally, you can ticularly important in detecting any encourage and support private problems associated with contami- landowners who are minimizing nest nants in the environment. disturbance and managing their land Finally, appropriate management to protect Bald Eagle habitat. of nesting, feeding, loafing, and wintering habitat must be a priority For More Information if we are to maintain the current Contact upward trend in Bald Eagle numbers Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in Texas. Wildlife Diversity Branch 4200 Smith School Road Where To See Austin, Texas 78744 Bald Eagles (512) 912-7011 or (800) 792-1112 Placing wing tags on Bald Eagles There are a number of State Parks or © TPWD Leroy Williamson where visitors have the opportunity U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to see and learn more about Bald Ecological Services Field Office Eagles. These include Lake Brown- 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200 wood, Lake Livingston, Lake Texana, Austin, Texas 78758 Lake Whitney, and Possum Kingdom (512) 490-0057 State Parks. The Vanishing Texas Rivers Cruise, a privately operated Management guidelines are available excursion boat, also provides visitors from Texas Parks and Wildlife with excellent opportunities to see Department or the U.S. Fish and wintering eagles on Lake Buchanan Wildlife Service for landowners wish- in Burnet and Llano Counties. ing to protect and manage Bald Eagle Because the Bald Eagle is a habitat. protected species and sensitive to human disturbance, birders and other observers should carefully follow cer- tain viewing ethics. Recorded calls of prey species should not be used to attract birds. Also, observers should be careful not to approach too closely or otherwise disturb or stress birds. How You Can Help References If you see a Bald Eagle nest, remem- Green, N. 1985. The Bald eagle. The Audubon Wildlife Report 1985:508-531. ber that eagles are vulnerable to dis- National Audubon Society. turbance throughout the nesting Hunt, W.G., J.M. Jenkins, R.E. Jackman, C.G. Thelander, and A.T. Gerstell. 1992. period (October to July in Texas), and Foraging ecology of Bald eagles on a regulated river. J. Raptor Research 26(4):243-256. are easily disturbed particularly dur- Mabie, D.W. 1992. Bald eagle post-f ledgling survival and dispersal. Texas Parks ing the first 12 weeks of nesting and Wildlife Department, Fed. Aid Project No. W-125-R-3, Job. No. 59. 14 pp. activity. Observers should remain a Mabie, D.W., M.T. Merendino, and D.H. Reid. 1994. Dispersal of Bald eagles safe distance away from the nest (at f ledged in Texas. J. Raptor Research 28:213-219. least 750 feet) and keep noise and Mitchell, M.R. 1992. Bald eagle nest survey and management. Texas Parks and other human impacts to a minimum. Wildlife Department, Fed. Aid Project No. W-125-R-3, Job No. 30. 10 pp. Private landowners are encouraged to Ortego, B. 2003. Bald eagle nest survey and management. Texas Parks and report new Bald Eagle nests to Texas Wildlife Department, Fed. Aid Grant No. W-125-R-14, Project No. 10. 8 pp. Parks and Wildlife Department. Ortego, B., C. Greggory, and K. Herriman. 2003. Bald eagle nesting and winter- You can be involved in the ing surveys. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 2002 Wildlife Research conservation of Texas’ nongame Highlights 6:? Porteous, P.L. 1992. “Eagles on the rise.” National Geographic Magazine, Novem- wildlife resources by supporting the ber, 1992. National Geographic Society. Special Nongame and Endangered U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1989. Southeastern states Bald eagle recovery Species Conservation Fund. Special plan. Atlanta Regional Office. 122 pp. nongame stamps and decals are avail- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1991. Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). able at Texas Parks and Wildlife Biologue Series.

4 Bald Eagle Funds for the production of this leaflet were provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, under Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act.