SREL Reprint #2901

Behavior and Food Habits at a Bald Eagle Nest in Inland South Carolina

A. Lawrence Bryan, Jr., Lara B . Hopkins, Carol S. Eldridge, I.Lehr Brisbin, Jr., and Charles H. Jagoe

Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, PO Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802

Abstract: Parental behavior and prey deliveries at a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nest were monitored (628 observation hours) during three breeding attempts from 1997-1999 at a nest in inland south-central South Carolina. Attendance patterns varied between adults and among breeding attempts, with reduced attendance and incubation observed during a failed attempt. During the three nesting attempts, the female was most often in attendance and incubated more than the male. The eagle pair averaged approximately 4 foraging trips per day during the successful 1997 season, but only 3 trips per day during the 1999 season. Fish and waterfowl comprised 56% and 34% of diet in 1997, respectively, with largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) the major fish prey and American Coots (Fulica americana) the major avian prey. Fish (primarily bass and sunfish) comprised 91% of the diet in 1999. Later nesting and reduced waterfowl populations may have contributed to increased fish prey in 1999.

SREL Reprint #2901

Bryan, A. L., Jr., L. B. Hopkins, C. S. Eldridge, I. L. Brisbin, Jr., and C. H. Jagoe 2005. Behavior and food habits at a bald eagle nest in inland South Carolina. Southeastern Naturalist 4:459-468.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).