Bald eagles are a successful species in Florida. These raptors are present throughout the state, making Florida a significant location for their populations. Their presence highlights a remarkable conservation story within the state’s diverse ecosystems.
Bald Eagle Presence and Habitat in Florida
Florida hosts one of the densest concentrations of nesting bald eagles in the lower 48 states, maintaining the largest breeding population outside of Alaska. Approximately 1,500 nesting pairs have been recorded in Florida.
These birds are distributed across most of peninsular Florida and the Keys. High concentrations are found around inland lake and river systems, such as the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes and Lake George, and along the Gulf coast. Bald eagles seek out large bodies of open water, including seacoasts, rivers, and lakes, as these areas provide abundant food sources.
They rely on old-growth and mature stands of trees for perching, roosting, and nesting. Preferred nesting trees in Florida include slash pines, longleaf pines, loblolly pines, and cypress trees, while mangroves are utilized in southern coastal regions. Most nests are situated within 200 meters (660 feet) of open water.
Nesting and Life in Florida
Bald eagles in Florida return to their nesting territories in late September or early October to begin constructing or repairing nests. The breeding season in Florida extends into late April or May. Females lay one to three eggs between December and early January, with an incubation period of about 35 days.
Bald eagle nests are substantial, continually enlarged each year, and can sometimes weigh up to two tons. While nests are often in tall pines, 80 to 100 feet high, those in South Florida may be found in mangroves, sometimes as low as 20 feet from the ground. Young eagles, known as eaglets, fledge around 11 weeks of age but remain dependent on their parents near the nest for an additional four to eleven weeks. Florida’s bald eagles are opportunistic feeders, with fish constituting a significant portion of their diet, including catfish and mullet. They also consume other birds and small mammals, and may scavenge carrion.
Conservation Success and Ongoing Efforts
The bald eagle population in Florida faced declines, reaching a low of only 88 active nests in 1973. A major factor contributing to their recovery was the ban of the pesticide DDT in the early 1970s, which had caused widespread reproductive failure by thinning eggshells. Through dedicated conservation efforts and protective legislation, the number of breeding pairs in Florida rebounded, increasing to 831 by 1995.
This recovery led to the bald eagle’s removal from the federal endangered species list in 2007 and Florida’s threatened species list in 2008. Despite this success, bald eagles continue to be protected under federal acts, including the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, in addition to state laws. Ongoing conservation efforts involve monitoring programs, such as Audubon’s EagleWatch, which engages volunteers to track nests across Florida. Challenges persist, including habitat fragmentation and loss, collisions with vehicles and power lines, and lead poisoning. Public awareness and adherence to guidelines for activities near nests are important for their continued well-being.