Our Resident Bald Eagle

Lia

Brought to Sharon Audubon Center: November 2003

History: Lia was originally admitted into the care of staff at the University of Minnesota after she was found with a wing injury near Grand Rapids, MN on October 10, 2000.  She underwent several surgeries to repair her damaged wing with little success.  She now resides in a spacious aviary here at the center, and though she is not ready to join our programs yet, she will occasionally delight staff and visitors by “talking” to passersby. 

Bald Eagle

(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Did You Know?

To catch fish the eagles will swoop down over the water and grab a fish out of the water with its talons. They eat by holding the fish in one claw and tearing the flesh with the other.  Eagles have structures on their toes called spiricules that allow them to grasp fish.

Average Height: female 35 to 37 inches, male 30 to 34 inches.

Average Weight: 10-14 lbs

Wingspan: 79 - 90 inches for female, 72 – 85 inches for male

Life Span: 15-20 years in the wild, but up to 30 years.  The oldest captive eagle known, lived 48 years.

Description: The Bald Eagle is easily distinguishable by its white head and tail with a brown body.  An immature Bald Eagle has speckled brown plumage, developing its more distinctive colors at 2-3 years of age.

Call: Bald Eagles normally squeak and have a shrill cry, or grunting.  They do not make the "eagle call" as heard on television. That famous call is the Red-tailed Hawk.

Range: The Bald Eagle’s natural range covers most of North America, including Canada and Northern Mexico.

Habitat: Bald eagles can be found along the coast and around lakes and rivers where there are plenty of fish to eat and tall trees for nesting and roosting.

 
Diet:  Is varied, including carrion, fish, smaller birds , and rodents.