Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus
An Environmental Success Story
In 1978, the bald eagle population had dwindled so much due to shooting, trapping, and poisoning they were added to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s threatened and endangered species list. Robust conservation efforts followed, and the bald eagle was removed from the list in 2007. Eagles continue to be protected by many state and federal laws.
Bald Eagle Status in Iowa
The Iowa DNR manages two bald eagle surveys—The Bald Eagle Nest Monitoring Survey and the Bald Eagle Midwinter Survey. In 2024, Iowa had 637 active bald eagle nests with 389 nests monitored by volunteers. Stephanie Shepherd, Wildlife Diversity Biologist with the Iowa DNR, reports the bald eagle population in Iowa to be “stable and robust.” Results of the monitoring program from 2017-2024 are shown below.
Shepherd, Stephanie. "Bald Eagle (Halieetus leucocephalus) status in Iowa." Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 2024.
How You Can Help Protect Bald Eagles
Iowans can contribute to the continued recovery and well-being of bald eagles in the state.
If you find an injured or dead eagle, call the Iowa DNR or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
To prevent adults from abandoning their nests, avoid disturbing nests and stay away from the surrounding area, especially during breeding season.
The Raptor Resource Project
The Raptor Resource Project, located in Decorah, Iowa, supports bald eagles and other birds of prey. Visit their site to watch bald eagle nests in Iowa.
Works Cited
"Bald Eagle." Department of Natural Resources, www.iowadnr.gov/programs-services/iowas-wildlife/bald-eagle.
Schmerker, Jeff. "An American Symbol: The Bald Eagle and Its Complex DNA." Integrated DNA Technologies, 31 Mar. 2023, www.idtdna.com/pages/community/blog/post/an-american-symbol-the-bald-eagle-and-its-complex-dna#:~:text=The%20bald%20eagle%20evolved%20around,pigments%20on%20their%20feathers%20that.
Shepherd, Stephanie. "Bald Eagle (Halieetus leucocephalus) status in Iowa." Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 2024.