In Tennessee, there are two species of eagles that can be found, the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle. However, the Harpy Eagle, which is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, is not found in Tennessee.
The Bald Eagle in Tennessee
The Bald Eagle is a more common sight in Tennessee, with over 175 nesting pairs as of 2012, and most of them remain in the state year-round. They are most commonly seen around bodies of water, such as marshes, lakes, coasts, and rivers, and they primarily eat fish. The Bald Eagle is also the state bird of Tennessee.
Bald Eagle Habitat in Tennessee
Bald Eagles in Tennessee prefer to nest near large bodies of water, such as:
- Lakes
- Rivers
- Reservoirs
- Coastal areas
They build their nests in tall trees or on cliffs, and they can often be seen perched on trees or flying over the water in search of fish.
Bald Eagle Diet in Tennessee
The Bald Eagle’s diet in Tennessee consists primarily of:
- Fish
- Waterfowl
- Small mammals
They are skilled hunters and can often be seen swooping down to the water to catch fish with their sharp talons.
The Golden Eagle in Tennessee
Image source: Águia Harpia – Harpy Eagle by Jonathan Wilkins
The Golden Eagle is a rare but regular winter visitor to Tennessee, with no evidence of historic nesting records in the state. They are more likely to be found near wooded areas interspersed with patches of open habitat, and they primarily eat medium-sized mammals such as rabbits, ground squirrels, and prairie dogs.
Golden Eagle Habitat in Tennessee
Golden Eagles in Tennessee can be found in areas with:
- Wooded areas
- Open habitats
- Cliffs or tall trees for nesting
They are less commonly seen than Bald Eagles in the state.
Golden Eagle Diet in Tennessee
The Golden Eagle’s diet in Tennessee consists primarily of:
- Rabbits
- Ground squirrels
- Prairie dogs
- Other medium-sized mammals
They are skilled hunters and can often be seen soaring over open areas in search of prey.
The Harpy Eagle in Tennessee
The Harpy Eagle is not found in Tennessee. This large, powerful eagle is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, and its range does not extend into the United States.
Harpy Eagle Habitat
Harpy Eagles are found in the following regions:
- Central America
- Northern South America
- Amazon rainforest
They prefer to nest in tall, emergent trees in the rainforest canopy.
Harpy Eagle Diet
Harpy Eagles primarily feed on:
- Sloths
- Monkeys
- Opossums
- Other medium-sized mammals
They are known for their impressive size and strength, with the ability to carry prey that is heavier than they are.
Conclusion
In summary, while there are two species of eagles found in Tennessee, the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle, the Harpy Eagle is not one of them. The Bald Eagle is a more common sight in the state, while the Golden Eagle is a rare but regular winter visitor. The Harpy Eagle, with its impressive size and strength, is found only in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, and not in Tennessee.
Reference:
– Bald Eagles in Tennessee
– Golden Eagles in Tennessee
– Harpy Eagle Habitat and Diet
