Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Year-round, but a lucky findRare

The take

Charlotte's lakes host them now — an eagle over the Catawba stops the whole greenway.

How to ID it

  • White head and tail contrasting with a dark brown body and wings; bright yellow bill and legs.
  • Very large raptor with heavy body and long hooked bill; holds broad wings flat like a board when soaring.
  • Scavenges carrion and harasses other birds for food; eats mainly fish near lakes, rivers, and coasts.

Field marks at a glance

Size
huge
Head
white (adult)
Call
surprisingly weak stuttering whistle

Where & when

Year-round, but a lucky find — best odds at latta nature preserve.

Learn more

Sources