Raptors

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

North America's iconic raptor, easily recognized by its white head and tail contrasting with a dark brown body. Adults have a massive yellow bill and powerful talons used for catching fish.

Current regional viewing notes

Extremely common throughout Hoonah; look along the shoreline, harbor pilings, Spasski River, and tall Sitka spruce snags throughout Icy Strait.

Dataset note: This legacy field can be specific to Southeast Alaska/Hoonah and is not a complete statewide range statement.

Habitat

Coastal old-growth forests, shorelines, rivers, and harbors.

Diet

Primarily fish, especially salmon; also waterfowl, carrion, and marine invertebrates.

Natural history note

Southeast Alaska has one of the highest densities of Bald Eagles in the world, with an estimated one eagle per mile of coastline.