WWF holiday adoption gift guide: Introducing the bald eagle!

WWF

This holiday season, WWF is introducing six new species for you to adopt and take home, including the bald eagle. Let’s meet this majestic species!
The bald eagle is among the largest birds of prey in the world.  Eagles have exceptional eyesight and can spot potential prey from a very long distance.

bald eagle
A Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) surveying his territory on the central coast of British Columbia, Canada. © Natalie Bowes / WWF-Canada

NAME
Haliaeetus leucocephalus.
HABITAT
Bald eagles live along the rivers, lakes, marshes, and seacoasts of North America. They are found near large bodies of open water with an abundant food supply and large, old trees for nesting.
DIET
The bald eagle is an opportunistic feeder subsisting mainly on fish, which it swoops down and snatches from the water with its talons. The bald eagle also eats carrion, large birds and mammals.
bald eagle
A Bald eagle flying above a cargo ship and boats in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada. © Chad Graham/ WWF-Canada

WHY ARE THEY AT RISK?
Although bald eagles have been removed from the endangered species list, these majestic birds are still impacted by habitat loss and toxins. The use of pesticides like DDT endangered the population for many years. When pesticides are ingested, it can weaken its eggs.  Despite being protected by law, some large eagles are killed by farmers and gamekeepers or captured for use in falconry.
WHAT IS WWF DOING?
WWF is helping the bald eagle by:

  • Supporting effective legislation. The bald eagle’s threatened existence was turned around with bans on DDT and other highly persistent toxic chemicals that bioaccumulate in the food-chain.
  • Expanding protected habitat. WWF’s role in the designation of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and negotiating the Gwaii Haanas Marine Agreement is protecting the bald eagle’s vital habitat.

With your symbolic adoption, you’re helping WWF fight to secure the long-term survival of the bald eagle. What’s more, you’re also helping to save other species at risk around the world and to provide a healthier natural world for us all.
Each adoption kit includes a high quality wildlife plush, personalized adoption certificate, a stunning species poster, a reusable tote bag and an applicable tax receipt.
bald eagle
Visit our e-store shop.wwf.ca for all your holiday gift options from WWF and give a meaningful gift that keeps on giving!