Bald Eagle Frequently Asked Questions
Haliaetus leucocephalus (Photo courtesy of USFWS)
 | Are Bald eagles present in the Gordon Flowage area? |
Yes, they are a common sight.
| Why do some of the eagles have a different appearance? |
An adult bald eagle's white head and tail contrast strikingly with its dark-brown body. Its large bill, feet and eyes are yellow.
Immature bald eagles are harder to identify. They are dark-brown with only spatterings of white on the underwings and tail. Head and tail feathers don't turn white until the birds are four or five years old.
| What do they eat? |
Bald eagles feed primarily on fish. They scavenge dead fish along shorelines and capture live ones with their feet. Their talons are strong and sharp, good for grasping prey. Occasionally, eagles eat waterbirds or mammals. Often these are carrion, like road killed deer.
| Is the Bald eagle an endangered specie? |
No. The current Federal classification is: Threatened.
The current Wisconsin DNR classification (as of August 1, 1997) is: Delisted.
| Where can I get more information? |
Wisconsin DNR Bald Eagle Fact Sheet
Above answers include fact sheet excerpts courtesy of Wisconsin DNR.