Pandian haliatus (sea eagle)
Subspecies:
4 recognized; P.h. carolinensis is the only US subspecies.
Distribution:
Worldwide; in NA, from Alaska across Canada to Labrador and south to Florida and Arizona.
Habitat:
Near or on shallow waters—fresh, brackish, or marine. Nests along lakeshores, seashores, marshes, and rivers. Highest densities near salt water.
Feeding:
Almost exclusively live fish, 150-300 grams in weight. Makes dramatic dives from 10-40 meters, but seldom goes much below surface of water. Secures fish in talons before flying off.
Breeding:
Nest is a large collection of sticks and flotsam, usually wedged high in an
exposed tree; also nests on cliffs, power poles, buoys, specially designed platforms, and on the ground of predator free islands. Clutch 1-4 eggs.
Movements:
Northern birds winter south to Peru and Brazil. Fall migration occurs in September with spring migration taking place in mid April.
Status:
Frequent to abundant. Recovering strongly after numbers were reduced by the improper use of pesticides.