General Description: A large raptor, wingspread of about 7ft (2.1 m), plumage mainly dark brown with pure white head and tail when adult. First year juveniles are often chocolate brown to blackish, sometimes with white mottling on the tail, belly and underwings. The head and tail become increasingly white with age until full adult plumage is reached in the fifth or sixth year.

General Habitat:  The bald eagle is primarily riparian, associated with coasts, rivers, and lakes, usually nesting near bodies of water where they feed.  Selection of nesting sites varies tremendously depending on the species of trees growing in a particular area.  Although the tops of tall trees, either living or dead, are generally preferred, bald eagles may even nest in small mangroves less than 20ft (6.1m) above ground.  Regardless of this large variation in sites, there are certain general elements which seem to be consistent: The proximity of water (usually within 0.5mi or 0.8km) and a clear flight path to a close point on the water; the largest living tree in a span; an open view of the surrounding area.  The proximity of good perching trees may also be a factor in site selection.  Excessive human activity in the area can render a site

unsuitable.  The eagle exhibits territorial behavior during the breeding season by showing aggressiveness toward other large birds, including eagles, which approach the vicinity of its nest.  Territorial size ranges from 28-112 acres (11-47 hectares) averaging 57 acres (23 hectares).  Habitat requirements are somewhat altered during migratory situations.  They are not as closely limited to shores at this time, gathering food where it is most easily available.  Often the immatures will fly inland at night to roost communally away from coastal nesting areas.  Eagles are opportunistic feeders and will take a variety of vertebrate prey.  If fish are abundant, they comprise the major part of the diet and are the birds' choice.  Eagles will lay one to four eggs but the usual is two.  A second clutch may be laid if the first is lost.  Incubation time is thirty five days; ten or twelve weeks are needed for fledging, and 4-5 years are required for the birds to reach breeding age.  Total life span is apparently quite long, since eagles have been known to live for 50 years in captivity.