Home >> Science & Nature >> Animals & Science

Migration Patterns of Bald Eagles

The bald eagle is a symbol of liberty and freedom in the United States. Inhabiting various parts of North America, the bald eagle is considered to be a "partial migrant." The bald eagle uses thermals or heated air to lift in altitude and then coast along the warm air to a lower elevation. Another thermal is then located and ridden to a high altitude once again. This pattern allows the bald eagle to fly great distances with less physical effort, because wing flapping is not required for coasting.

Migration Options
- Many bald eagles living in coastal areas remain in place over the winter. Where water remains open and food is available, there is less need for migration. Bald eagles that fish near lakes and rivers, however, may need to move to warmer areas to find sufficient feeding grounds, as their usual food sources freeze over. Depending on their home area and climate, some bald eagles remain in their nesting area year-round while others may travel as far as 1,400 miles.
Eagles in Western North America
- Eagles that live in the West tend to casually move south from Alaska and Canada for winter. They slowly move through the Columbia Basin in Washington and take up residence in the waterways there. As the northern areas begin to thaw, these bald eagles stage a more hurried trip back to their nesting grounds to the north in Canada and Alaska. It has been noted that there is an eagerness and a more direct travel path heading to the North to breed. Eagles that migrate generally leave their nesting areas independently but may eventually form a widely spaced stream with as much as one-half mile between individual birds.
Eagles in Eastern North America
- Bald eagles living in the Northeast follow the Appalachian Mountains or the Atlantic Coast as they travel between winter and summer areas. These eagles vary the timing of their migration depending on available food, weather patterns and their age. Young eagles travel farther than older ones, leaving earlier and returning later. According to the American Bald Eagle Information website, the young nonbreeding eagles travel farther in order to avoid congested feeding areas. No one really understands how the young eagles know where to go, but it is believed their migrations are instinctive.
Other Migration Patterns
- Bald eagles from some specific areas have very different migratory patterns. The bald eagles of Arizona fly north in their first year. After leaving the nest, young eagles in Florida and California may fly north as well. As the bald eagles from these areas mature, they fly shorter distances each year. When these individuals become old enough to nest, American Bald Eagle Information says, they will likely cease all migratory activities and remain in the nesting area full-time.

Animals & Science