Eagles construct their nests near water in tall trees or on cliffs using large sticks. Timing of reproductive activity differs by climate and latitude, but usually occurs between October and May. Mating occurs on branches or other secure perches and is preceded by tail pumping and wing flapping displays by the male. Suitable roosting sites are usually large trees within a kilometer of water and it appears that sites are selected for their height, diameter and protection from inclement weather and predators. Their territories vary greatly by geographic location and home ranges appear to overlap. The talon-grappling, cartwheeling fight they are known for is an aggressive territorial dispute, not a courtship behavior. The bald eagle's diet at the Smithsonian's National Zoo consists of rats, fish, chicken leg quarters and quail.īald eagles become territorial during breeding season. When hunting for fishes, it does not usually dive into the water like the osprey but instead searches for fish near the surface. Eagles wait on a favorite perch for an osprey to return to its nest with a fish in its talons for its own young, and then harass the smaller raptor until it is forced to drop its prey for the eagle to retrieve. Bald eagles eat carrion willingly and are notorious for robbing osprey of their catches. ![]() They also eat sea birds and ducks or hunt over grasslands and marshes for small mammals such as rabbits, squirrels, prairie dogs and muskrats. They have powerful legs and feet that are equipped with large talons used for killing their prey.īald eagles are opportunistic foragers but prefer fish as their primary food and are found in great densities where fish are abundant. They possess sharp, pointed beaks designed for ripping and tearing prey into bite-sized pieces. Bald eagles are well adapted to their lifestyle.
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