Birds

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

WHAT: The scientific name of the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) literally means “sea eagle with a white head.” Males and females are outwardly alike but females are larger. The white head and tail appear around the fifth year. Immature birds are very similar in appearance to golden eagles.
WHERE: Throughout North America.
SIZE: 2.3 to 3.3 feet (beak to tail), 5.5 to 15 pounds, and a 6 to 7.5 foot wingspan.
EATS: Primarily fish and some small mammals, birds, and carrion.
BABIES: The breeding season extends from February through May. Incubation is carried out by both sexes. The average clutch size is 1-3 eggs.
STATUS: Federal species of concern, but secure in Washington.
FUN FACTS: With growing numbers, the Bald Eagle was officially removed from the FWS Endangered and Threatened species lists in 2007.  Although they have been removed from these lists, Bald Eagles along with their nests remain under the protection of the Bald and Golden Eagle Act as well as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Bald Eagles in the state of Washington are also protected as a State Sensitive species.

Tyto alba

WHAT: Easily spotted by their white, heart-shaped face and long, pointed wings extending beyond the tail.
WHERE: Woodlands, suburbs, farmlands and open areas.
SIZE: Beak to tail: 9.8 to 20 inches; wingspan: 30 to 43 inches; weight 6.6 to 28 ounces.
EATS: Mostly rodents; occasionally small mammals and birds.
BABIES: Breeding March through April, or anytime. Females incubate a clutch of 4 to 7 eggs over 32 to 34 days in spring.
STATUS: Secure.
FUN FACTS: Barn owls are among the most nocturnal of owls, since their prey (rodents) are active at night. Their exceptional hearing helps them hunt in the dark.
Most days are spent sleeping soundly, perched in dark caves, cavities or buildings.
Human development hasn’t harmed barn owls – actually, land clearing and crops help them by increasing rodent numbers.

Bubo scandiacus

WHAT: Males are white and may have dark specks on the feathers. Females are larger with dark barring on most feathers. Yellow eyes.
WHERE: Upland tundra in summer; marshes, beaches and fields in winter in Alaska and Canada.
SIZE: Length 20.5 to 28 inches; wingspan 49.6 to 57.1 inches; weight 56.4 to 104.1 ounces.
EATS: Lemmings, other small mammals, birds and occasionally fish.
BABIES: Breeding May through June. Nests are made as a depression lined with moss and feathers. The female incubates a clutch of 3 to 11 eggs over 32 to 33 days.
STATUS: Secure.
FUN FACTS: Snowy owls are diurnal (daytime) hunters that feed on small tundra animals and will walk into shallow water to catch fish. If lemmings are scarce they will migrate south to the United States.
They are one of the most aggressive owls, and will attack humans during nesting season.

Aquila chrysaetos

WHAT: Although brown overall, this eagle has golden feathers behind its neck. Light colored feathers on the legs give a booted appearance to the yellow feet.
WHERE: Rangelands, tundra and open mountain areas in Alaska, Canada, the western United States, Europe, Asia and parts of Africa.
SIZE: Length 2.2 to 3.2 feet; wingspan 5.9 to 7.7 feet; weight 8 to 13 pounds.
EATS: Rabbits, large rodents and other small mammals, reptiles and birds.
BABIES: Breeding from February through June. Nests are constructed in tall pine trees or on cliffs, made of sticks and soft plants. Both sexes incubate the clutch of 1 to 4 eggs for 40 to 45 days.
STATUS: Least concern.
FUN FACTS: Golden eagles will soar for hours, rising to high altitudes before diving at tremendous speeds after prey. They also perch to scan for prey, and will fly close to the ground in pursuit of an animal.
Usually quiet birds, golden eagles will sometimes emit a “mewing” or “yelping” sound during courtship.