Bald eagles are iconic birds of prey, but they are not found in Australia. They are native to North America. Australia hosts its own diverse array of large raptors, some sharing similar ecological roles, but the bald eagle is distinct to its native continent.
Bald Eagle’s Natural Habitat
The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a large bird of prey found throughout North America. Its natural range extends across most of Canada, the entire contiguous United States, and northern Mexico. These eagles typically inhabit areas near large bodies of water, such as coasts, rivers, and expansive lakes. These aquatic environments provide an abundant food supply.
Bald eagles primarily subsist on fish, snatching them from the water with their talons. Their diet can also include other birds, small mammals, and carrion, especially when fish are scarce. They prefer to build their large nests in tall, mature trees near these water sources, often reusing and adding to them over many years. Adult bald eagles are easily recognized by their dark brown body plumage, contrasting white head and tail, and large yellow beak.
Australia’s Large Raptors
Australia is home to several large raptors that occupy similar ecological niches. The Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax) and the White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) are two prominent examples. While both are large birds of prey, they have distinct characteristics that differentiate them from the bald eagle.
The Wedge-tailed Eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey, inhabiting almost all habitats across the continent, from deserts to woodlands. This eagle has long, broad wings, fully feathered legs, and a distinctive wedge-shaped tail. Adult Wedge-tailed Eagles are dark brown to black, with juveniles displaying lighter brown plumage and reddish-brown heads. Their diet is varied, including rabbits, small kangaroos, foxes, and other mammals, as well as reptiles and carrion.
The White-bellied Sea-Eagle is commonly found in coastal and near-coastal areas of Australia, as well as along major inland waterways. This species is characterized by its white head, breast, and underparts, contrasting with a dark grey back and wings. It has a large, hooked grey bill and long black talons. White-bellied Sea-Eagles primarily feed on aquatic animals such as fish, sea snakes, and turtles, but also consume birds, mammals, and carrion. While both are fish-eating raptors, the White-bellied Sea-Eagle lacks the bald eagle’s entirely white head.