Eaglets

Eaglet is a term used for a young eagle, the hatchling or juvenile of any species in the family Accipitridae. Eaglets hatch from eggs laid in a large stick nest, called an aerie or eyrie, usually high in trees or on cliffs. Eggs are incubated by both parents for about 34-40 days, depending on species. Eaglets are altricial: at hatch they are naked or have sparse down and are unable to regulate body heat and must be kept warm and fed by the parents.

During the first weeks, parents bring prey to the nest and feed the eaglet in alternating bouts. Eaglets grow rapidly and develop a full set of flight feathers; after about 10-14 weeks they fledge, leaving the nest to begin learning independent hunting. Juvenile plumage is typically mottled brown and white, lacking the distinctive adult coloration for several years. They may remain near the nest territory for months, and establish their own ranges only after reaching maturity.

Eagles maintain large nests in trees or on cliff ledges. Nests are reused for many years and increase in size over time. Clutch size is usually one to three eggs; however, only one often survives to fledging due to competition between siblings and food availability.

Historically, eagle populations were affected by habitat loss and pesticide exposure such as DDT, which thinned eggshells. Protective laws and conservation efforts have supported recovery in several regions; the status of eagle species varies globally.