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Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Bird · family Accipitridae · order Accipitriformes

  1. G1
    Critically imperiled
  2. G2
    Imperiled
  3. G3
    Vulnerable
  4. G4
    Apparently secure
  5. G5
    Secure

NatureServe global rank G5: secure[2].

Updated October 30, 2026. Published by Humblebee.

Bald Eagle
Photo: Andy Morffew from Itchen Abbas, Hampshire, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Endangered Species Act
Delisted (recovered)[1]
NatureServe global rank
G5 Secure[2]
Native in
50 states[3]
Oldest known wild bird
38 years[4]

The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a bird in the family Accipitridae[5]. It is not listed as endangered or threatened under the US Endangered Species Act[6], and NatureServe lists it as native in 50 US states and territories, from Alaska to Florida[3].

Conservation status

The Bald Eagle was first put on the federal endangered species list on March 11, 1967, and was later taken off because it recovered[1]. Today it is not listed under the Endangered Species Act[6]. NatureServe ranks it Secure worldwide[2] and Secure in the United States in both the breeding and nonbreeding seasons[7]. It is still protected as a migratory bird under federal law[8], and international trade in it is controlled under CITES Appendix II[9].

Status Value
Endangered Species Act[1] Delisted after recovery
NatureServe global rank[2] G5 (Secure)
NatureServe US rank[7] N5B,N5N (Secure (breeding), Secure (nonbreeding))
IUCN Red List (via NatureServe)[10] Least concern
Migratory Bird Treaty Act[8] Protected
CITES (international trade)[9] Appendix II
Total population (NatureServe estimate)[11] 100,000 to 1,000,000 individuals

Where Bald Eagle lives

NatureServe lists the Bald Eagle as native in 50 US states and territories, including Alaska, Washington, Texas, Florida, Maine and the District of Columbia[3]. NatureServe also gives it a separate rank in each state, and these ranks differ from state to state[12]. Washington, Florida, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania have the most GBIF observation records, which reflects where people report sightings rather than how many eagles live there[13].

Alaska: native, state rank S5AKMaine: native, state rank S4B,S4NMEWisconsin: native, state rank S4BWIVermont: native, state rank S1B,S4NVTNew Hampshire: native, state rank S2NHWashington: native, state rank S4B,S4NWAIdaho: native, state rank S4IDMontana: native, state rank S4MTNorth Dakota: native, state rank S1NDMinnesota: native, state rank S3B,S3NMNIllinois: native, state rank S4ILMichigan: native, state rank S4MINew York: native, state rank S2B,S2NNYMassachusetts: native, state rank S2B,S3NMAOregon: native, state rank S4B,S4NORNevada: native, state rank S2B,S4NNVWyoming: native, state rank S4B,S5NWYSouth Dakota: native, state rank S4B,S2NSDIowa: native, state rank S3B,S3NIAIndiana: native, state rank S3INOhio: native, state rank S3OHPennsylvania: native, state rank S4B,S5N,S4MPANew Jersey: native, state rank S3B,S4NNJConnecticut: native, state rank S3B,S3NCTRhode Island: native, state rank S1B,S1NRICalifornia: native, state rank S3CAUtah: native, state rank S3UTColorado: native, state rank S3B,S3NCONebraska: native, state rank S3NEMissouri: native, state rank S3MOKentucky: native, state rank S3B,S3NKYWest Virginia: native, state rank S3B,S3NWVVirginia: native, state rank S3B,S3NVAMaryland: native, state rank S3MDDelaware: native, state rank S3B,S4NDEArizona: native, state rank S2,S4NAZNew Mexico: native, state rank S1B,S4NNMKansas: native, state rank S4B,S4NKSArkansas: native, state rank S3B,S4NARTennessee: native, state rank S3TNNorth Carolina: native, state rank S3B,S3NNCSouth Carolina: native, state rank S3B,S3NSCDistrict of Columbia: native, state rank S2N,SXBDCOklahoma: native, state rank S3BOKLouisiana: native, state rank S4LAMississippi: native, state rank S3MSAlabama: native, state rank S4BALGeorgia: native, state rank S3GAHawaii: not recordedHITexas: native, state rank S3B,S3NTXFlorida: native, state rank S3FLPuerto Rico: not recordedPR
State presence as recorded by NatureServe[12].
Show state ranks (50 states)
StateRankMeaning
AlabamaS4BApparently Secure (breeding)
AlaskaS5Secure
ArizonaS2,S4NImperiled, Apparently Secure (nonbreeding)
ArkansasS3B,S4NVulnerable (breeding), Apparently Secure (nonbreeding)
CaliforniaS3Vulnerable
ColoradoS3B,S3NVulnerable (breeding), Vulnerable (nonbreeding)
ConnecticutS3B,S3NVulnerable (breeding), Vulnerable (nonbreeding)
DelawareS3B,S4NVulnerable (breeding), Apparently Secure (nonbreeding)
District of ColumbiaS2N,SXBImperiled (nonbreeding), Presumed Extirpated (breeding)
FloridaS3Vulnerable
GeorgiaS3Vulnerable
IdahoS4Apparently Secure
IllinoisS4Apparently Secure
IndianaS3Vulnerable
IowaS3B,S3NVulnerable (breeding), Vulnerable (nonbreeding)
KansasS4B,S4NApparently Secure (breeding), Apparently Secure (nonbreeding)
KentuckyS3B,S3NVulnerable (breeding), Vulnerable (nonbreeding)
LouisianaS4Apparently Secure
MaineS4B,S4NApparently Secure (breeding), Apparently Secure (nonbreeding)
MarylandS3Vulnerable
MassachusettsS2B,S3NImperiled (breeding), Vulnerable (nonbreeding)
MichiganS4Apparently Secure
MinnesotaS3B,S3NVulnerable (breeding), Vulnerable (nonbreeding)
MississippiS3Vulnerable
MissouriS3Vulnerable
MontanaS4Apparently Secure
NebraskaS3Vulnerable
NevadaS2B,S4NImperiled (breeding), Apparently Secure (nonbreeding)
New HampshireS2Imperiled
New JerseyS3B,S4NVulnerable (breeding), Apparently Secure (nonbreeding)
New MexicoS1B,S4NCritically Imperiled (breeding), Apparently Secure (nonbreeding)
New YorkS2B,S2NImperiled (breeding), Imperiled (nonbreeding)
North CarolinaS3B,S3NVulnerable (breeding), Vulnerable (nonbreeding)
North DakotaS1Critically Imperiled
OhioS3Vulnerable
OklahomaS3BVulnerable (breeding)
OregonS4B,S4NApparently Secure (breeding), Apparently Secure (nonbreeding)
PennsylvaniaS4B,S5N,S4MApparently Secure (breeding), Secure (nonbreeding), Apparently Secure (migrant)
Rhode IslandS1B,S1NCritically Imperiled (breeding), Critically Imperiled (nonbreeding)
South CarolinaS3B,S3NVulnerable (breeding), Vulnerable (nonbreeding)
South DakotaS4B,S2NApparently Secure (breeding), Imperiled (nonbreeding)
TennesseeS3Vulnerable
TexasS3B,S3NVulnerable (breeding), Vulnerable (nonbreeding)
UtahS3Vulnerable
VermontS1B,S4NCritically Imperiled (breeding), Apparently Secure (nonbreeding)
VirginiaS3B,S3NVulnerable (breeding), Vulnerable (nonbreeding)
WashingtonS4B,S4NApparently Secure (breeding), Apparently Secure (nonbreeding)
West VirginiaS3B,S3NVulnerable (breeding), Vulnerable (nonbreeding)
WisconsinS4BApparently Secure (breeding)
WyomingS4B,S5NApparently Secure (breeding), Secure (nonbreeding)

Habitat

Bald Eagles use forests and woodlands, cliffs, forested wetlands, riversides, deep and shallow water, bays, tidal shores and coastal waters[14]. When breeding, they tend to stay within 4 km of water such as coasts, rivers, lakes or reservoirs, where they can find fish and water birds to eat[15]. Pairs usually build nests high in tall trees or on cliffs or rock spires close to water, and they may come back to the same nest for several years[15].

Habitat types recorded by NatureServe[14]

Size, diet and lifespan

The Bald Eagle eats meat and fish[16]. One estimate puts its diet at 30% warm-blooded animals, 30% fish, 20% reptiles and amphibians and 20% dead animals it finds[17]. It also catches live prey and steals food from other birds[18]. A typical bird is about 94 cm (37 in) long[19] and weighs about 12 lb[20]. Clutch size, the number laid at one time, is 1 to 3 and usually 2[21]. Incubation, the time the parents keep the clutch warm before hatching, lasts about 35 days[22]. Chicks make their first flight when they are at least 10 weeks old[21]. The longest recorded lifespan is 48 years in captivity[23], and the oldest known wild Bald Eagle was at least 38 years old[4].

Trait Value
Typical length[19] 94 cm (37 in)
Typical adult weight[20] 5.2 kg (12 lb)
Longest recorded lifespan (AnAge)[23] 48 years (captivity)
Oldest known wild bird (banding)[4] 38 years 0 months
Litter or clutch size[24] 2
Gestation or incubation[22] 35 days
Female maturity[25] 1,460 days (about 4.0 years)
Food habits[16] Carnivore, Piscivore
Migration[26] non-migrant, local migrant, long-distance migrant

Estimated diet composition (EltonTraits 1.0)[17]

  • 30% warm-blooded vertebrates
  • 30% fish
  • 20% reptiles and amphibians
  • 20% carrion

When to look for it

Bald Eagles are active by day and are also crepuscular, which means they are busy at dawn and dusk[27]. Some populations stay in one place all year while others travel short or long distances[26]. Most eagles that nest in Canada and the northern US head south for the winter[28]. On GBIF, most US records come in January, March and April[29].

January: 670,580 recordsJanFebruary: 592,222 recordsFebMarch: 647,995 recordsMarApril: 677,507 recordsAprMay: 645,045 recordsMayJune: 284,076 recordsJunJuly: 254,957 recordsJulAugust: 288,366 recordsAugSeptember: 368,526 recordsSepOctober: 443,498 recordsOctNovember: 466,635 recordsNovDecember: 530,291 recordsDec
US observation records on GBIF by month, all years. The three months with the most records are highlighted. Records show when people look and report, not how many animals there are[29].
Show records by month
MonthRecords
January670,580
February592,222
March647,995
April677,507
May645,045
June284,076
July254,957
August288,366
September368,526
October443,498
November466,635
December530,291

Where to see it

National Park Service species lists record Bald Eagle as present in 196 park units[30]. Present means the park has a confirmed record, not that sightings are common.

And 172 more park units.

States with the most GBIF observation records: Washington, Florida, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania[13]. These counts follow where people look and report, not population size.

Questions people ask

Is the Bald Eagle endangered?
No. It was taken off the endangered species list because it recovered[1], and it is not listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act today[6]. NatureServe ranks it Secure[2].
Where do Bald Eagles live in the US?
NatureServe lists the Bald Eagle as native in 50 US states and territories[3]. They mostly live near water, nesting within 4 km of coasts, rivers or lakes when breeding[15].
What do Bald Eagles eat?
They eat fish and other meat[16]. One estimate puts the diet at 30% warm-blooded animals, 30% fish, 20% reptiles and amphibians and 20% dead animals[17].
How big is a Bald Eagle?
A typical Bald Eagle is about 94 cm (37 in) long[19] and weighs about 12 lb[20].
How long do Bald Eagles live?
The longest recorded lifespan is 48 years in captivity[23]. The oldest known wild Bald Eagle was at least 38 years old[4].

Facts and sources

  1. USFWS ECOS lists Bald Eagle (U.S.A., conterminous (lower 48) States.) with the status Recovery, meaning it was removed from the endangered species list because it recovered. It was first listed March 11, 1967. USFWS ECOS
  2. NatureServe global conservation status rank for Bald Eagle: G5 (Secure). NatureServe Explorer
  3. NatureServe lists Bald Eagle as native in 50 US states and territories: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky,... NatureServe Explorer
  4. Oldest known wild Bald Eagle from US and Canadian bird banding records: at least 38 years 0 months old (USGS Bird Banding Laboratory). USGS Bird Banding Lab
  5. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a bird in the family Accipitridae, order Accipitriformes. NatureServe Explorer
  6. Bald Eagle is not listed as endangered or threatened under the US Endangered Species Act in USFWS ECOS data (checked 2026-10-30). USFWS ECOS
  7. NatureServe national rank in the United States: N5B,N5N (Secure (breeding), Secure (nonbreeding)). NatureServe Explorer
  8. Bald Eagle is on the federal list of migratory birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (50 CFR 10.13). eCFR, 50 CFR 10.13
  9. CITES listing recorded by NatureServe: Appendix II (controls on international trade). NatureServe Explorer
  10. IUCN Red List category as recorded by NatureServe: Least concern. NatureServe Explorer
  11. NatureServe estimate of total adult population (global, as a range): 100,000 to 1,000,000 individuals. NatureServe Explorer
  12. NatureServe state ranks for Bald Eagle (map and table on this page). NatureServe Explorer
  13. US states with the most GBIF observation records of Bald Eagle: Washington, Florida, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania. Record counts follow observer effort, not population size. GBIF
  14. Habitat types NatureServe records for Bald Eagle: Forest - hardwood, Forest - conifer, Forest - mixed, Woodland - hardwood, Woodland - conifer, Woodland - mixed, Cliff, Forested wetland, Riparian, Big river, Medium river, Deep water, Shallow water,... NatureServe Explorer
  15. NatureServe notes on habitat for Bald Eagle. NatureServe Explorer
  16. Adult food habits recorded by NatureServe: Carnivore, Piscivore. NatureServe Explorer
  17. Estimated diet composition in EltonTraits 1.0: 30% warm-blooded vertebrates, 30% fish, 20% reptiles and amphibians, 20% carrion. EltonTraits 1.0
  18. NatureServe notes on food for Bald Eagle. NatureServe Explorer
  19. Typical length recorded by NatureServe: 94 cm (37 in). NatureServe Explorer
  20. Typical adult weight recorded by NatureServe: 5.2 kg (12 lb). NatureServe Explorer
  21. NatureServe notes on reproduction for Bald Eagle. NatureServe Explorer
  22. Gestation or incubation period in AnAge: 35 days. AnAge
  23. Maximum recorded lifespan in AnAge: 48 years in captivity. This is a record, not a typical lifespan. AnAge
  24. Typical litter or clutch size in AnAge: 2. AnAge
  25. Age at female sexual maturity in AnAge: 1,460 days (about 4.0 years). AnAge
  26. NatureServe migration category for Bald Eagle: non-migrant, local migrant, long-distance migrant (populations can differ). NatureServe Explorer
  27. Adult activity patterns recorded by NatureServe: Diurnal, Crepuscular. NatureServe Explorer
  28. NatureServe notes on migration for Bald Eagle. NatureServe Explorer
  29. GBIF observation records of Bald Eagle in the US by month (chart on this page). GBIF
  30. NPSpecies park lists recording Bald Eagle as present (list on this page). NPS NPSpecies

Status, range and habitat come from NatureServe Explorer (CC BY 4.0) and USFWS ECOS at the snapshot date. Listings change by federal rule. State lists are where NatureServe records the species, not a promise that you will see it there. Never name a place smaller than a state. GBIF and park records count observations and checklists. They show where and when people report the species, not how many animals live there.

NatureServe. 2026. NatureServe Explorer [web application]. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available https://explorer.natureserve.org. (Accessed: October 30, 2026). Licensed under CC BY 4.0; SpeciesFacts selected and summarized it.

Photo: Andy Morffew from Itchen Abbas, Hampshire, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.