Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Meet Justice!

Justice arrived at Maymont in August 2008 from the Wildlife Center of Virginia (WCV). Found with a broken wing near a roadside garbage collection site in King and Queen County, Virginia, WCV veterinarians operated on Justice to clean the wound and prevent further infection. Because Justice has no wing or flight feathers beyond the wrist, he cannot be returned to the wild. Maymont is proud to give him a permanent home in Raptor Valley.

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Keeper's Notes

Justice loves sitting on the perches in his habitat.

A bird’s weight is an indicator of its health, so the keepers weigh him weekly by giving him a signal and he willingly gets on the scale. Then, the keepers use tongs to give him food as a positive reinforcement for his voluntary participation.

Justice goes to an indoor area each night, which protects him from other animals.

Species Info

DIET

Fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, carrion (decaying animals)

SIZE

6-14 lbs, 2.5-3.5 ft tall, 6-7.5 ft wingspan

LIFESPAN

Average 28 years in the wild; and up to 48 years in care settings

HABITAT & RANGE

Rivers, lakes, coastal areas and mountains of North America

CONSERVATION STATUS

Protected species

Quick Facts

The bald eagle is the only eagle found exclusively on the North American continent.

“Bald” derives from an old English word, “balde,” meaning white.

Since bald eagles are migratory birds, Maymont has special permission from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to keep Justice.

Resources:

No Longer Endangered: The Bald Eagle is an Icon of the ESA | Virginia DWR

Eagle Fun Facts for Educators | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Explore

Virginia Wildlife Trail

The Robins Nature Center

Maymont Farm

Adopt This Animal!

Through a symbolic adoption, you help us care for our bald eagle and all the animals in Maymont’s care.

Adopt a Bald Eagle