Fink 



BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) 



It is paradoxical that the bald eagle, our national bird and long a symbol 

 of strength and courage, is an endangered species. The increased use of 

 pesticides and loss of habitat have combined to greatly diminish the eagle's 

 numbers throughout the United States. Although the population density 

 of the eagle in Yellowstone was probably never significantly higher than at 

 present, recent studies reveal that eagle reproduction has decreased 

 noticeably in the past two decades. The eagle's preferred habitat is near 

 water in both parks; however, a study in Yellowstone indicated that less 

 than half of the eagle's diet in Yellowstone is made up of fish. This study 

 revealed that birds, primarily ducks, constituted more than half of the 

 eagle's diet. With its pronounced white head, hooked beak, deeply-curved 

 talons, and seven-foot wing spread, the bald eagle is truly an impressive 

 bird. Breeding populations in Yellowstone and Grand Teton are largely 

 confined to Yellowstone Lake and the Snake River. 



26 



