Evidence of Bald Eagles feeding on freshwater mussels

Abstract

A 1978 study of the winter habitat of the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in the Coconino National Forest, Arizona, indicated repeated and potentially heavy use of a freshwater mussel (Anodonta corpulenta) in the eagles’ diet. As many as 10 eagles (five adults and five immatures) were observed at Upper Lake Mary near Flagstaff when the junior author collected field data between 27 February and 10 March. However, only 2-3 eagles were present in the area through most of the winter. No foraging activity was seen, but a variety of circumstantial evidence was collected, suggesting more than casual use of this mussel.

Citation

Grubb, Teryl G.; Coffey, Michael A. 1982. Evidence of Bald Eagles feeding on freshwater mussels. Wilson Bulletin 94 (1) 84-85