Bald Eagles in Florida: Facts & Where to See

Bald eagles are popular among birds. They are known for their white heads and tails, and their large size.

In Florida, bald eagles can be found in many different habitats including swamps, forests, and even along the coast. These majestic birds are a top predator in Florida and play an important role in the ecosystem.

If you are an avid bird watcher, here are some facts you should know about bald eagles in Florida.

Bald Eagles in Florida Identification:

Being one of the most common birds in North America, the bald eagle is pretty easy to identify.

Bald eagles eggs

Length: 2.3-3.4 inches

Color: Dull white

Incubation: 34-36 days

Each breeding season, February to May, females lay 1-3 white eggs. How big are the eggs? On average, a bald eagle’s egg is about 2.9 inches long.

When it comes to nest construction, these large raptors are known to build the largest nests in the avian world. On average, their nests measure about 8.1 ft across and recently in Florida, a larger nest was found. It measured 9.5 ft across and weighed approximately 2.5 tons.

Why are their nests heavy? Unlike other birds, bald eagles do not build new nests. Each breeding season, parents will add new material to an existing nest to make it softer and warmer for the baby bald eagles.

Speaking of babies, incubation lasts up to 35 days.

Young eagles

1-2 days- Light gray natal down

9 days- Thermal feathers grow

3 weeks- Juvenile feathers emerge

5 weeks – Long juvenile feathers fully grown

8-10 weeks – Body fully covered with juvenile feathers but tail still fully grown

Can you identify young bald eagles? The babies have soft gray feathers, dark gray bills and brown eyes.

As the babies grow into young adults, their plumage changes to dark brown with a dark band around their tail. At around 3-4 months, young eaglets will leave the nest but will stay close home so their parents can continue taking care of them.

Also, young bald eagles are known for playing around with sticks. They gain weight rapidly. It takes them up to four years to attain adult weight and coloring.

Adult eagles

Length: 27-37.8 inches

Wingspan: 80.3 inches

Weight: 6.6 – 13.9 lbs.

At the age of 4-5 years, bald eagles mature. Their already brown body becomes darker. The feathers on heads and tails are white and they spot a yellow hooked bill. Note the striking yellow eyes.

It has a wide wingspan, about 80.3 inches, making it bigger than common red-tailed hawks. The wings are built for speed, up to 95 mph.

Mature bald eagles in Florida have sharp talons that help them hunt for Florida fish and other wildlife. An adult can carry weight three times its body size.

What sounds do a mature bald eagle produce? Like most bird lovers, I was surprised by its call. For such a mighty bad, its calls are unimpressive. Bald eagles are known for weak high-pitched piping and whistling notes.

Also read: Bald eagles of Michigan

Preferred Habitat

Non-breeding months

Where do bald eagles live during the non-breeding months? During this period, adults spend time in forested habitats mostly close to water bodies. So think of lakes, rivers and creeks. Also they may live close to humans provided there is plenty of fish.

When resting, you can find them perched on tall trees; mostly mature coniferous trees.

Nesting season

Where can you find nesting bald eagles? They prefer tall trees and you can also find bald eagles nesting on coastal cliffs or the ground. In Florida, bald eagles nest between December and January with the female laying up to three eggs. A breeding pair finds a nesting site and builds a 5-6 feet wide cylindrical nest.

Where in Florida do Bald Eagles Live?

Bald eagles are a common sight in Florida, especially near waterways. These majestic birds can be found all throughout the state, but they are most commonly seen in the northern and central regions.

Bald eagles typically make their nests near large bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and coastlines. In Florida, they can often be seen near the St. Johns River, Lake Okeechobee, and the Gulf of Mexico.

These magnificent birds are a symbol of strength and freedom, and watching them soar through the skies is an unforgettable experience. If you’re lucky enough to spot a bald eagle in Florida, you’re sure to have a truly magical moment.

Related Read: Check out Oahu birds

How rare is it to see a bald eagle in Florida?

Bald eagles are a common sight in Florida, with over 1,500 nesting pairs in the state. However, they are still considered a threatened species due to their declining populations elsewhere. The best time to see bald eagles in Florida is during the winter months, when they congregate around lakes and rivers in search of food.

Where do eagles nest in Florida?

There are several places in Florida where eagles nest. Some of the most popular nesting spots for eagles are in the Everglades National Park, on Sanibel Island, and near Lake Okeechobee.

Eagles typically nest in trees, often near water. In Florida, eagles often build their nests in cypress trees. Cypress trees are common in wetland areas like the Everglades.

Eagle nests can be quite large, sometimes weighing as much as a ton. The largest eagle nest ever found was in St. Petersburg, Florida. It was over 20 feet wide and 9 feet deep!

What is the largest bird of prey in Florida?

The largest bird of prey in Florida is the bald eagle. The adult bald eagle has a body length of about 27-38 inches (2.2-3.2 ft) and a wingspan of about seven feet. The average weight of an adult bald eagle is about ten pounds. The female bald eagle is usually about 25% larger than the male.

Golden eagles are also found in Florida but are slightly smaller. An adult is 27-33 inches long with a span of up to 6 feet.

The bald eagle is found throughout North America, but it is most common in Florida. In Florida, the bald eagle can be found in all 67 counties. The bald eagle population in Florida is estimated to be between 2,500 and 3,000 birds.

Where do Florida eagles go in the summer?

As the days grow longer and the weather gets hotter, many Florida birds begin to migrate to cooler areas. This is especially true for Florida eagles, who head north to escape the heat.

Eagles are known for their powerful wings, which allow them to fly great distances. They use these wings to migrate to different parts of the country, depending on the season. In the summer, when it’s hot in Florida, eagles will fly north to cooler areas.

This migration is important for eagles because it allows them to find food and avoid predators. It also gives them a chance to mate and raise their young in a safe environment.

What bird in Florida looks like a bald eagle?

There are many birds in Florida that look like bald eagles. However, the most common bird that is mistaken for a bald eagle is the osprey. The osprey is a large bird of prey with a wingspan of up to six feet.

It has a white head and tail, and dark brown wings and body. While the osprey does not have the distinctive white head and tail of the bald eagle, it is often mistaken for one because of its size and coloring.

Do bald eagles live in Tampa

Bald eagles are not typically found in urban areas like Tampa, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist there. In fact, there have been several sightings of bald eagles in the city over the years.

While bald eagles typically prefer more rural areas where there are plenty of trees and open space, they are adaptable birds and can make do in a variety of habitats. So, if you’re ever lucky enough to spot a bald eagle in Tampa, enjoy the moment!

What do bald eagles eat in Florida?

Bald eagles are one of the most emblematic birds in North America. The national bird of the United States, these predators are known for their impressive size, powerful beak and talons, and, of course, their striking white head.

Bald eagles are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of prey items. In Florida, where they are year-round residents, their diet consists mostly of fish. They have been known to eat over 70 different species of fish!

However, they will also eat reptiles, rodents, and even other birds. Bald eagles typically hunt alone or in pairs, swooping down on their unsuspecting prey from a perch in a tree or on the ground.

While they typically hunt during the day, bald eagles have been known to be active at all hours of the day and night.

Do bald eagles live in Orlando?

Yes, bald eagles do live in Orlando. The majestic birds can be found near lakes and rivers, where they hunt for fish.

Orlando is home to a large population of bald eagles. The birds are often seen at the Eagles Nest Park. Bald eagles typically nest in trees, but can also be found on the ground.

Because of the wildlife conservation commission, bald eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The act prohibits people from shooting, harming, or harassing the birds. 

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bald_eagle

https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/bald-eagle