Southern Bald Eagle Productivity and Nest Site Selection

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Abstract
Productivity and nesting habitat of the southern bald eagle (H. l. leucocephalus) in north-central Florida [USA] were analyzed. The productivity of 109 active nests over 4 yr (1973-1976) was 1.14 young/nest, and for 78 successful nests was 1.59 young/nest. Sites (34) examined in 1976 were within 3 km of water and were preferentially located in flatwoods and hardwood swamps. Most nests were in dominant pines, and nest trees tended to be located along ecotones. No correlation (P > 0.05) was obtained when production of young was regressed on distance from water or distance between nearest neighbors. Production was independent of habitat within 0.5 km of 61 nests studied during the 1976 nesting season. Production of young was independent of habitat alteration and road use at distances of 0.0-0.5, 0.5-1.0 and 1.0-1.5 km from active nests.

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