Birds of Michigan Field Guide (Bird Identification Guides) - Tapa blanda

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Naturalist, wildlife photographer and writer Stan Tekiela is the originator of the popular state-specific field guide series that includes Mammals of Michigan Field Guide. Stan has authored more than 190 educational books, including field guides, quick guides, nature books, children’s books, playing cards and more, presenting many species of animals and plants.

With a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural History from the University of Minnesota and as an active professional naturalist for more than 30 years, Stan studies and photographs wildlife throughout the United States and Canada. He has received various national and regional awards for his books and photographs. Also a well-known columnist and radio personality, his syndicated column appears in more than 25 newspapers, and his wildlife programs are broadcast on a number of Midwest radio stations. Stan can be followed on Facebook and Twitter. He can be contacted via www.naturesmart.com.

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Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus

• Size: 31–37" (79–94 cm); up to 71/2-ft. wingspan
• Male: White head and tail contrast sharply with the dark brown-to-black body and wings. Large, curved yellow bill and yellow feet.
• Female: same as male, only larger
• Juvenile: dark brown with white speckles and spots on the body and wings, gray bill
• Nest: massive platform, usually in a tree; female and male build; 1 brood per year
• Eggs: 2–3; off-white without markings
• Incubation: 34–36 days; female and male incubate
• Fledging: 75–90 days; female and male feed the young
• Migration: partial migrator, to southeastern states
• Food: fish, carrion, birds (mainly ducks)
• Compare: Turkey Vulture (pg. 39) is smaller, has two-toned wings and holds them in a V shape in flight. The Eagle holds its wings straight out.

Stan’s Notes: Nearly became extinct due to DDT poisoning and illegal killing. Now making a comeback in North America. Returns to the same nest each year, adding more sticks and enlarging it to huge proportions, at times up to 1,000 pounds (450 kg). In their midair mating ritual, one eagle flips upside down and locks talons with another. Both tumble, then break apart to continue flight. Not uncommon for juveniles to perform this mating ritual even though they have not reached breeding age. Long-term pair bond but will switch mates when not successful at reproducing. Juveniles attain the white head and tail at 4–5 years of age.