Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Atsá (“eagle” in Navajo”) came from World Bird Sanctuary in December of 2016 when she was 13 years old. She has been an animal ambassador for most of her life after she was found with an injured right wing in the bottom of a ravine in Hayward, Wisconsin in 2003. According to medical records, a windstorm destroyed the nest where she was located two weeks before the young eagle was found by rescuers. At the time, it was evident the adult eagles were dropping food to the fledgling in the ravine, but her right wing was likely broken in the fall that happened weeks earlier, making her unable to fly. Due to the narrow ravine and the delay in finding her, the wing healed improperly, so she could not be returned back into the wild.

She is now an ambassador for her species, which allows Lindsay Wildlife to spread the word about the importance of wildlife rehabilitation, eagle population trends, threats to these majestic birds and Lindsay’s commitment to conservation. 

Bald eagles are found in North America from Alaska to Florida. They are the national bird of the United States. They always live near water such as a large lake, reservoirs, or the coast. Their diet consists primarily of fish that is scooped from the water. They also occasionally eat small mammals, birds and carrion. 

During breeding season, they form monogamous pairs that can last for life. The young do not get their full adult plumage (white head and tail) until their fourth year. Adult bald eagles can weigh anywhere from 7 to 13 ½ pounds with a 6 to 7 ½ foot wingspan. Bald eagles live up to 20 years in the wild and may live into their early 40s in captivity. Formally an endangered species primarily due to DDT, they were taken off the national endangered species list in 2007.