Texas - Bald Eagle - Haliaeetus Leucocephalus

	Bald Eagle - Haliaeetus Leucocephalus
STATUS: Endangered without critical habitat. DESCRIPTION: Large hawk-like bird with 6.5-7 feet wingspan and unfeathered feet. Adult has white head, neck, and tail. While gliding or soaring it keeps wings flat, not uplifted like vultures. Immatures are mostly dark, and may be confused with immature golden eagles. However, golden eagles have a more sharply defined white pattern on underside of wings and tail. HABITAT: Preferred habitat is undisturbed coastal regions or lake shores with large, tall (40-120 feet) trees for nesting (taller than general forest canopy, providing unobstructed flight path to nest) and roosting. Niches on large cliffs near water are also used as nesting sites. Nearby (0.5 miles) wetland areas are necessary for feeding. Nests are often located on the ecotone (edge) of forest, marsh and water, and are constructed in dominant or codominant trees 3 km or less from open water. They winter along major rivers, reservoirs ( where fish are available), or in areas where carrion is available. DISTRIBUTION: Present: Current breeding range has diminished slightly but most areas remain occupied but at a lower density. Wintering populations may occur statewide; concentrations occur along large water bodies from December to March. Data suggest colonization of inland reservoirs by nesting bald eagles in this habitat type, which was not used by eagles historically. Breeding territories are located mostly along rivers, near reservoirs, and along the Gulf Coast. In Texas, the population is divided into two populations, southeastern (breeding east of the 100th meridian) and southwestern (no breeding records west of the 100th meridian). Bald eagles are present year round in Texas as migrant, breeders, and winter residents. Historic:Found throughout the contiguous United States, Canada, and northern Mexico. THREATS AND/OR REASONS FOR DECLINE: Pesticide-induced reproductive failure, degradation and loss of reparian habitat, and human disturbance (including shooting, poisoning, and trapping). Habitat alteration, including nest disturbance, is currently the most significant limiting factor for recovery. Mortality due to lead poisoning is increasing. Chronic low levels of lead produce neurological dysfunction, behavioral and learning aberrations, anemia, and increased susceptibility to disease and other mortality factors. OTHER INFORMATION: Southeastern Bald Eagle Recovery Plan approved in 1983 and revised in 1989. The bald eagle is currently listed as endangered in all but five of the contiguous 48 states. It is listed as threatened in Washington, Oregon, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Breeding in Texas only occurs east of the 100th meridian and usually starts in early September. Fish is the primary food source for nesting eagles. Waterfowl, rabbits, small rodents, and carrion are also important food items for transient and wintering eagles. Nesting populations are gradually increasing in most areas of the country, including Texas. Between 1985 and 1990, a 47% increase in active nests and a 55% increase in numbers of fledglings was reported. REFERENCES: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. August 1992. Threatened and Endangered Species of Texas. Endangered Species Office, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Bald Eagle - Haliaeetus Leucocephalus

STATUS: Endangered without critical habitat.

DESCRIPTION: Large hawk-like bird with 6.5-7 feet wingspan and unfeathered feet. Adult has white head, neck, and tail. While gliding or soaring it keeps wings flat, not uplifted like vultures. Immatures are mostly dark, and may be confused with immature golden eagles. However, golden eagles have a more sharply defined white pattern on underside of wings and tail.

HABITAT: Preferred habitat is undisturbed coastal regions or lake shores with large, tall (40-120 feet) trees for nesting (taller than general forest canopy, providing unobstructed flight path to nest) and roosting. Niches on large cliffs near water are also used as nesting sites. Nearby (0.5 miles) wetland areas are necessary for feeding. Nests are often located on the ecotone (edge) of forest, marsh and water, and are constructed in dominant or codominant trees 3 km or less from open water. They winter along major rivers, reservoirs ( where fish are available), or in areas where carrion is available.

DISTRIBUTION:

Present: Current breeding range has diminished slightly but most areas remain occupied but at a lower density. Wintering populations may occur statewide; concentrations occur along large water bodies from December to March. Data suggest colonization of inland reservoirs by nesting bald eagles in this habitat type, which was not used by eagles historically. Breeding territories are located mostly along rivers, near reservoirs, and along the Gulf Coast. In Texas, the population is divided into two populations, southeastern (breeding east of the 100th meridian) and southwestern (no breeding records west of the 100th meridian). Bald eagles are present year round in Texas as migrant, breeders, and winter residents.
Historic:Found throughout the contiguous United States, Canada, and northern Mexico.

THREATS AND/OR REASONS FOR DECLINE: Pesticide-induced reproductive failure, degradation and loss of reparian habitat, and human disturbance (including shooting, poisoning, and trapping). Habitat alteration, including nest disturbance, is currently the most significant limiting factor for recovery. Mortality due to lead poisoning is increasing. Chronic low levels of lead produce neurological dysfunction, behavioral and learning aberrations, anemia, and increased susceptibility to disease and other mortality factors.

OTHER INFORMATION: Southeastern Bald Eagle Recovery Plan approved in 1983 and revised in 1989. The bald eagle is currently listed as endangered in all but five of the contiguous 48 states. It is listed as threatened in Washington, Oregon, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Breeding in Texas only occurs east of the 100th meridian and usually starts in early September. Fish is the primary food source for nesting eagles. Waterfowl, rabbits, small rodents, and carrion are also important food items for transient and wintering eagles. Nesting populations are gradually increasing in most areas of the country, including Texas. Between 1985 and 1990, a 47% increase in active nests and a 55% increase in numbers of fledglings was reported.

REFERENCES:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. August 1992. Threatened and Endangered Species of Texas. Endangered Species Office, Albuquerque, New Mexico