Aspects of the Ecology of Urban-nesting Bald Eagles ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in South-Coastal British Columbia.

摘要

In the past decade, Bald Eagle populations throughout North America have increased considerably and, despite their previous known avoidance of humans, eagles have begun invading cities in large numbers. The overall aim of this study was to document the ecology of urban Bald Eagle populations living in south-coastal British Columbia. We conducted a comparative study of the nest-site characteristics, productivity, and feeding habits of over 150 breeding pairs of rural, suburban and urban eagles. Tall mature trees are especially important for urban eagles and suburban areas have greater concentrations of nests. Nesting success and productivity for this population are some of the highest figures in North America. Human land-use and proximity to habitat edge are strongly linked to productivity and crows, gulls and pigeons are the most popular prey items for urban eagles. This study is expected to have implications for future management strategies of Bald Eagles in human-altered landscapes.