- Bald eagles construct large nests known as "aeries" in tall trees or on cliffs near bodies of water.
- Both parents participate in building the nest.
- The nest is made of sticks, branches, bark, and other materials, and is lined with soft grasses, moss, and feathers.
2. Egg Laying and Incubation:
- Bald eagles typically lay two to three eggs per clutch.
- The eggs are incubated for approximately 35 days, with both parents taking turns.
- The female eagle spends more time incubating during the day, while the male eagle often takes over at night.
3. Feeding the Eaglets:
- After hatching, the eaglets are completely dependent on their parents for food.
- Both parents hunt for fish, birds, small mammals, and other prey, and bring it back to the nest.
- The eaglets are fed by regurgitation, where the parent eagle partially digests the food and then transfers it to the eaglets' beaks.
4. Brooding and Care:
- In addition to providing food, the parent eagles also brood the eaglets.
- This involves sitting on the nest, providing warmth and protection from the elements, and maintaining physical contact with the young.
- The eaglets stay in the nest for approximately two to three months before fledging.
5. Teaching to Fly:
- Once the eaglets are strong enough, the parent eagles begin to teach them how to fly.
- They encourage them to leave the nest and take their first flights by calling and flapping their wings.
- The eaglets may make short flights and return to the nest for food and protection during the initial stages.
6. Providing Food During Fledging:
- Even after fledging, the parent eagles continue to provide food for their young for several weeks or months.
- The eaglets learn to hunt and catch prey on their own, but the parents still supplement their diet.
7. Protection from Predators:
- Throughout the nesting and fledging stages, the parent eagles remain vigilant in protecting their young from predators, including other birds of prey, mammals, and even humans.
- They exhibit aggressive behavior and vocalizations to deter potential threats.
8. Teaching Independence:
- Gradually, as the eaglets become more skilled in hunting and flying, the parent eagles start providing less food and push them to become self-sufficient.
- This process of teaching independence helps prepare the young eagles for survival in the wild.
Overall, bald eagles exhibit dedicated and nurturing care for their young, working together to ensure the survival and success of their offspring in the challenging natural environment.