The age structure and behaviour of the northern bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus alascanus Townsend) at a winter feeding site in Nova Scotia

A study of the age structure and behaviour of wintering Northern Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus alascanus Townsend) was undertaken in the Gaspereau Valley, Kings Co., Nova Scotia from 15 January to 3 March, 1978. Five age-classes were distinguished on the basis of plumage differences. Twenty-one eagles are estimated to have been at Gaspereau during the study. An ethogram of the behaviour of Bald Eagles was constructed, including general behaviour in trees, in flight, and on the ground. Feeding behaviour and intra-and inter-specific interactions were described and quantified. The behaviours of birds of different ages are compared.