Birds of Prey
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Best Time Year-round; highest concentrations in winter along open rivers
Status Least Concern (Recovered)
Bald Eagles are an unmistakable part of Maine’s waterways. Conservation efforts and cleaner waters have helped their numbers rebound dramatically since the 1970s, and today they nest from the coast to the North Woods.
Fast Facts
- Maine has one of the largest Bald Eagle populations in the Northeast, with hundreds of nesting pairs.
- Eagles often steal fish from ospreys in midair using impressive aerial agility.
How to Spot Them
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Look for large, dark birds soaring with flat wings or perched in tall white pines near water.
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Visit the Kennebec or Penobscot rivers in winter when open water draws hunting eagles.
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Juvenile eagles are mottled brown and white and take about five years to develop the white head and tail.
Common Questions
Are Bald Eagles still endangered?
No. They were removed from the federal endangered species list in 2007 after recovering across the U.S.
Where is the best winter spot to see them?
The Kennebec River near Bath and the Penobscot River often stay ice-free, attracting eagles hunting for fish.
Where to Find Them
- Coastal Maine
- Kennebec River Valley
- Penobscot River
- Downeast