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1 September 2005 Behavior and Food Habits at a Bald Eagle Nest in Inland South Carolina
A. Lawrence Bryan, Lara B. Hopkins, Carol S. Eldridge, I. Lehr Brisbin, Charles H. Jagoe
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Abstract

Parental behavior and prey deliveries at a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nest were monitored (628 observation hours) during three breeding attempts from 1997–1999 at a nest in inland south-central South Carolina. Attendance patterns varied between adults and among breeding attempts, with reduced attendance and incubation observed during a failed attempt. During the three nesting attempts, the female was most often in attendance and incubated more than the male. The eagle pair averaged approximately 4 foraging trips per day during the successful 1997 season, but only 3 trips per day during the 1999 season. Fish and waterfowl comprised 56% and 34% of diet in 1997, respectively, with largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) the major fish prey and American Coots (Fulica americana) the major avian prey. Fish (primarily bass and sunfish) comprised 91% of the diet in 1999. Later nesting and reduced waterfowl populations may have contributed to increased fish prey in 1999.

A. Lawrence Bryan, Lara B. Hopkins, Carol S. Eldridge, I. Lehr Brisbin, and Charles H. Jagoe "Behavior and Food Habits at a Bald Eagle Nest in Inland South Carolina," Southeastern Naturalist 4(3), 459-468, (1 September 2005). https://doi.org/10.1656/1528-7092(2005)004[0459:BAFHAA]2.0.CO;2
Published: 1 September 2005
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