bald eagle is the only representative of the family of hawk that lives exclusively in North America.Most often, it can be found in the cold expanses of Alaska.
This bird - a symbol of the United States, according to the decision taken by the Continental Congress in the summer of the distant 1872, and its image is placed on the state coat of arms.Ironically, the rival eagles in this matter was a wild turkey, advocated by the president Franklin thought the turkey as a "noble bird" and the eagle - brazen, furtive and cowardly.
Description
Bald eagle is easily recognized by its appearance: his white head, tail and the upper part of the neck and the rest of the plumage - a contrast of dark brown color.Sometimes the bird called the bald eagle because from a distance it looks like a white bald pate.
The length of the body eagle reaches about 80 cm, wingspan - up to two meters, weight - 4 kg to 5.5 kg.This female is always larger than males.
Lifestyle
eagles are professional fishermen, so they prefer to settle closer to the ocean and large freshwater bodies.They have powerful legs and huge hooked claws, which allow hard to keep even the most slippery fish.The main diet of these birds make fish, shellfish, waterfowl, reptiles, small rodents.Contrary to popular belief, they do not kill animals, and only rarely can profit fallen lamb.
American Eagle creates a married couple for life.It was only after the death of a partner you can search for a new one.A pair of eagles choose the tallest tree and weaves it impressive size slot.Over the years, it is being completed and eventually in diameter may exceed 3 meters.
These birds like loneliness and jealously guard their territory.The nearest relatives shall not be less than 1200 meters, or skirmishes become inevitable.
Reproduction
female eagle mostly lays 2 eggs, which hatch after 5 weeks of gray chicks.Their mother warms and protects, and his father produced food.It often happens that the stronger chick scored weak, and he flees to the far edge of the nest.Mother forgets about it, feeds a stronger-brained offspring, and a weak baby dies from hunger and cold.
When chicks marks a half months, they begin to jump into the nest from branch to branch, and a month later trying to make its first flight.At first they were afraid to move away from their parents, but eventually feel more confident and fly off into an independent life.
At the age of 4-6 years, the bald eagle become sexually mature and create their own family.They live an average of 12-13 years, but there are twenty- and thirty-year long-livers.
Problems population
When these birds have become a symbol of the United States, their numbers were huge - about 75 000 individuals.But by the early 40s of the 20th century the population was reduced to such an extent that the authorities were forced to adopt a series of laws to protect the species.It is forbidden to kill, sell or hold the eagle without a special permit.A holder of a pen or any other part of this type of bird charged imposing fines.However, for the Indians, who used the feathers to decorate their clothes, an exception was made.
On the problem of the extinction of bald eagles has led a number of factors: water pollution, displacement of natural habitats, the mass destruction of the farmers, the widespread use of the pesticide DDT.In particular, this pesticide poisoning fish that feed eagles, thus penetrating into the body of birds.Because of this, eagle egg shells considerably thickened, and the chicks could not punch it to hatch.The use of DDT is officially banned in 1972.
was taken many measures to save the bird from extinction.In addition to the ban on the use of DDT and other toxic substances, it began removing chicks in captivity.Raisings kids let loose, their "adopts" a pair of adult birds.
Where eagles have become quite rare, biologists have built artificial nests, chicks to settle, feed and care for them until they become independent.
Thanks to the joint efforts bald eagle has once again become fairly common type.Now there are about 50 000 individuals.In the history of the first example, when the population was able to restore the efforts of people.
