Reggie

Scientific Name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Order: Accipitriformes (hawks, eagles, vultures)

Family: Accipitridae

Conservation Status

About

Reggie came to us from the Raptor Education Group, Inc. (REGI – hence his name) in Wisconsin. He was brought into the rehab when he was an immature male in August of 2011. He was found in good physical condition other than he was injured due to a collision with a truck. He sustained a closed humeral fracture and a crushed metacarpal. Injures to the metacarpals resulted in amputation of the wing tip. The humeral fracture healed well, however movement of the left wing is limited making him non-releasable to the wild. Reggie was transferred to the Elmwood Park Zoo in 2011 where he initially joined the eagle flock in Eagle Canyon. The keepers noticed that because of his very docile and nice-guy demeanor he was often overshadowed by other dominate eagles. We felt he might be a great addition to the Eagle Ambassador team so we transferred him to our team in September of 2018.

Birthdate: 2011
Weight: 6 lbs
Wingspan: 5.5 feet

Bald Eagles – A Conservation Success Story

In 1980, the total population of bald eagles in Pennsylvania numbered only three pairs. In 2013, there were at least 271 active nesting pairs. Pesticides such as DDT often collect in fish and nearly eliminated the bald eagle population in the 1960’s. These chemicals weaken eggshells, limiting their ability to reproduce. DDT was banned in 1972, and since that time, eagle numbers have rebounded significantly. In 2007, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the bald eagle from the endangered species list. However, they are still protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Reggie is in possession of the Elmwood Park Zoo by the authority of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

AZA Raptor Taxon Advisory Group
The AZA Raptor Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) works with the Elmwood Park Zoo in support and management of captive birds of prey. It is through this partnership that this eagle represents one of thousands of raptors that are housed at zoological institutions nationally. The TAG focuses its efforts on conservation of raptors both here in the United States as well as globally. The TAG is supportive of the use of this eagle as a means to further raise awareness as to the majesty of eagles and the need to continue to conserve them and all raptors. We are proud to work with the TAG, and share their support of eagle conservation and public awareness.

Find me at EPZ

Location: This animal is not on exhibit. It is part of our educational collection and may only be seen in programs inside or outside of the zoo.

Arrived at EPZ: 2011

Habitat & Range
The bald eagle nests in old growth trees found along rivers and large lakes. They range from as far north as Alaska and Canada, throughout the United States, and as far south as northern Mexico. Bald eagles will migrate to the coasts if inland water sources freeze.
Identification
The bald eagle has dark brown plumage on its body with a white head and tail. Immature eagles less than 4 to 5 years old have all brown-black plumage with a random scattering of whitish feathers. Adults measure between 34 to 43 inches, and have wingspans measuring 6 to 8 feet long. The adult eagle will weigh between 6 and 14 pounds, with the female often growing to be the larger of the sexes.
Diet
Bald eagles are opportunistic feeders. They swoop down and snatch fish out of the water with their large talons. The eagle has excellent eyesight and can spot fish in the water from hundreds of feet in the air.
Reproduction & Lifespan
Bald eagles form life-long monogamous bonds. They build enormous nests that can measure as large as 8 feet across and 12 feet deep. The nest is often returned to and reused by the same two mates for consecutive years. Eggs are typically laid sometime between March and May. Both males and females share parental duties. The lifespan of the bald eagle in the wild is 20 to 30 years.
Fantastic Fact
The bald eagle mating ritual involves elaborate calls and spectacular flight displays. A male and female will climb, chase and swoop around each other before locking talons and plummeting to earth, only to break apart at the last minute. When the female has chosen her mate, she makes a head-bowing gesture to the male.

Reggie

Conservation Status

About

Find me at EPZ

Habitat & Range

Identification

Diet

Reproduction & Lifespan

Fantastic Fact