- Courtship is a time to develop and strengthen the pair bond, or form a new one.
- Scientists have observed some mating behaviors on wintering grounds, but have also seen males and females start courting in breeding areas.
- In addition to the spectacular aerial sky-dancing displays, courtship includes nest-building, perching, billing, and preening.
- Bald eagles mate from the time of returning to the nest territory in early fall through egg laying, and sometimes a few months after.
- Like most birds, eagles are monogamous. If one of the pair dies, the lone eagle will find a new mate.
- Adults may be vocal before, during, or after copulation.
- Copulation occurs mostly before egg-laying but happens at other times too.
- Gestation period: 5 - 10 days after copulation, the female lays one to three eggs.
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