Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Des was given her name by a Mescalero Apache man who recognized her good spirit. This name translates to a feeling, “May the sun shine on your face and in your heart in a good way.” Des Ta Te probably hatched sometime in 2000 but came to ONC in 2003. She had been shot in the right wing probably during her first year of life and had to have part of her wing amputated at the wrist, leaving her flightless.
- Average Weight: 6-14 pounds
- Wingspan: 6-8 feet
- Lifespan in the Wild: 20 years
- Lifespan in Captivity: 40 years
Fascinating Facts:
Chosen as the National Symbol in 1782. Bald Eagles are carnivores who prefer fish to other animals. They are mostly found in very tall trees near bodies of water. Bald Eagles are an Apex predator where they live and easily steal already captured food from other hunting animals. Bald Eagles only live in North America. They almost went extinct due to humans killing them for their feathers and because of the chemical DDT used to kill insects.
