Bald Eagle – Liberty

As a juvenile bird, Liberty arrived at the Florida Audubon Society’s rehabilitation center in the summer of 1992 with a fractured coracoid (similar to a human collar bone). After healing, he was banded and released at the Merritt Island, Florida National Wildlife Refuge on 10/30/92. Three weeks later he was found in St. Augustine, Florida with a dislocated humerus (shoulder) and neurological damage. It is believed he was hit by a car, and he was deemed non-releasable. Upon recovery from his shoulder injury Liberty was transferred to the World Bird Sanctuary where he was quickly glove trained and joined the education department.

$29.00$129.00

Description

HATCH YEAR: 1991

FUN FACTS ABOUT LIBERTY

  • His super calm demeanor and laid back attitude makes this “gentle giant” a rock-star ambassador for his species, as well as a favorite for both handlers and audiences alike!
  • He was even able to accompany our founder on a float in the Rose Bowl Parade.
  • When Liberty is not out and about educating people, he lives off exhibit at our Nature Center.

SPECIES FACTS

Scientific Name:

  • Haliaeetus leucocephalus. Latin and Greek origin meaning “white-headed sea eagle.”

Distribution:

  • Canada and United States.

Habitat:

  • Typically nest in forested areas adjacent to large bodies of water, staying away from heavily developed areas when possible.
  • During winter migration, they congregate near open water in tall trees for spotting prey and night roosts for sheltering.

Diet:

  • Fish (common examples include salmon, herring, shad, and catfish), but these birds eat a wide variety of foods depending on what’s available like carrion, waterfowl and mammals.
  • Bald Eagles frequently harass birds including Ospreys and other eagles to steal their food. Have also been known to pirate fish from fishing vessels.

Behavior:

  • Sometimes found in large numbers during winter feeding.
  • Nesting time is during February. One to three eggs will be laid per year.
  • Bald Eagles are powerful fliers—soaring, gliding, and flapping over long distances. They have been recorded flying at 35-43 mph.
  • Build some of the largest bird nests — typically 5 to 6 feet in diameter and 2 to 4 feet tall and can take up to 3 months to build. They typically use the same nest year after year, building onto and repairing it as needed. The largest nest ever recorded was in Florida and was 20 feet deep and 9.5 feet across. It weighed 2.7 metric tons!

Identification:

  • The term “bald” originated from the old English word “balde” meaning white. However, Bald Eagles do not have a fully white head and tail until 4 to 5 years old.
  • Their body feathers are brown and feet and bill are bright yellow.

Additional information

Adoption Level

Fan, Friend, Sponsor