Draper Museum Raptor Experience
Jade: Bald eagle
About the Bird:
Jade is a female Bald Eagle that hatched in 2013. She was found on the side of the road in central Wisconsin after being hit by a car when she was just a year old. Unstable flight prevents her from surviving on her own in the wild.
General Species Info:
The Bald Eagle is found throughout North America.
Bald Eagles typically nest in forested areas next to large bodies of water, staying away from heavily developed areas when possible. Bald Eagles are tolerant of human activity when feeding, and may gather around fish processing plants, dumps, and below dams where fish concentrate. For perching, Bald Eagles prefer tall, mature trees that afford a wide view of the surroundings. In winter, Bald Eagles can also be seen in dry, open uplands if there is access to open water for fishing.
Fish of many kinds make up the main part of the Bald Eagle diet, but these birds eat a wide variety of foods depending on what’s available. They eat birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates such as crabs, and mammals including rabbits and muskrats. They take their prey live, fresh, or as carrion. It is not unheard of for a Bald Eagle to steal food caught by another animal.
Notes from Staff:
Jade is quite the showoff. You might just catch her basking in the sun and flapping her wings!
