Observations on the Behavior of Wintering Bald Eagles
Journal
Raptor Research
Volume
13
Issue
4 (Winter)
Year
1979
Pages
112-116
Section
Scientific Papers
Online Text
Abstract
The behavior of four Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was studied in western Connecticut during the winter of 1976-77. The eagles congregated below a hydroelectric dam which killed and injured large numbers of fish. The Bald Eagles ate these fish almost exclusively when in the vicinity of the dam and were never observed to hunt the waterfowl which also congregated in the area. Crows were observed to mob or harass the eagles on ten occasions. The eagles exhibited soaring behavior on seventeen occasions. Soaring has been considered an aspect of play and courtship; evidence is presented which suggests that soaring may also be involved in agonistic interactions.
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