Eagles

This tool lists various Habitat Fact Sheets developed by the Region 5 Regional Response Team. To suggest additions to this tool, please contact Barbi Lee. Click here for Inland Response Tactics Manual and  Submerged Oil Recovery Tactics.

I. Species Description

Bald Eagles are hawk-like birds that dwarf other raptors. With an average length of 3 feet and average weight of 9.47lbs. Its large size appears even larger because of its wingspan which can range from 70 to 90 inches (5.83-7.5 ft). There is little difference between male and female except that the females are slightly bigger. The Bald Eagle uses its large beak sharp talons and keen eyesight to become apex predators. 
 Native only to North America, their range encompasses most of Canada and Alaska, all the contiguous United States, and northern Mexico. Bald eagles exhibit complex migration patterns depending on age and location. Many bald eagles are nonmigratory. They are often found in habitats that contain open water, an abundant food supply, and old-growth trees for nesting. Typically built below the crowns of mature cottonwoods and conifers, bald eagle nests can reach 10 ft. in diameter and weigh up to a half ton. 
 Their diet consists of fish, small mammals, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians. When hunting fish, eagles will plunge themselves into the water to catch their prey. An opportunistic species, bald eagles are known to eat carrion, including roadkill. The average lifespan of a bald eagle is 15-20 years. 
 The bald eagle is considered an American conservation success story. Habitat loss, declining prey populations, hunting, and pesticide use almost drove the species to extinction. Significant conservation efforts have restored the species, with an estimated global population greater than 316,000 individuals.

II. Sensitivity to Oil Spills

Bald Eagles are some of the most sensitive and vulnerable species to oil spills. Direct exposure to oil causes feathers to separate, impairs waterproofing, buoyancy, and exposes skin to hyper or hypothermia and lesions. Oil can be ingested while preening or absorbed through the skin. When plunging for fish, eagles may cover themselves in oil left on the water’s surface. Eagles may also ingest oil if they eat from prey or carcasses that has been covered in oil. This may result in inflammation, intestinal hemorrhaging, and liver damage, among other life-threatening conditions. Oiled eagles will focus all attention on preening and will forgo hunting. This can lead to other severe conditions such as dehydration, anemia, and extreme weight-loss. State and Federal wildlife officials must be notified for response to oiled birds. Oiled eagles require proper collection, cleaning, and treatment by certified, state-licensed wildlife rehabilitator at an off-site facility, though temporary processing centers may be necessary.


III. Sensitivity to Response Methods

The following text describes potential adverse impacts to eagles resulting from various oil spill response methods and/or provides recommendations to reduce impact when these methods are implemented. This is not intended to preclude the use of any particular methods, but rather to aid responders in balancing the need to remove oil with the possible adverse effects of removal with respect to bald eagles. More detail about the response methods themselves can be found in the Inland Response Tactics Manual.

Boom Development (see Inland Response Tactics Manual, p. 1)

  • • Control the movement of floating oil to prevent or reduce contamination of species.
Skimming   (see Inland Response Tactics Manual, p. 20)
  • • Recover floating oil from surface to prevent or reduce contamination of species.
Physical Herding   (see Inland Response Tactics Manual, p. 30)
  • • Free oil trapped in vegetation or debris and away from sensitive eagle feeding areas.
Vacuum  (see Inland Response Tactics Manual, p. 17 and Submerged Oil recovery Tactics, p. 27)
  • • Minimal effects to eagles if foot and vehicular traffic and other disturbances are avoided/minimized around trees containing nests.
Manual Cleaning/Removal  (see Inland Response Tactics Manual, p. 26 and Submerged Oil Recovery Tactics, p. 1)
  • • Oiled debris and especially oiled carcasses should be removed to prevent scavenging and the ingestion of oil.

Scare Tactics/Hazing
  • • Increased stressing of eagles may lead to shock and fatalities.