PREY OF NESTING BALD EAGLES IN TEXAS

Food habits of nesting bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in Texas were assessed by examining prey remains collected from within and ben eath nests. We collected and identified 661 prey items from 27 nesting territories. Nesting bald eagles appeared to be opportunistic feeders and their diets contained nearly equal proportions of birds (33.7%), reptiles (30.7%), and fish (30.1%); American coots (Fulica americana), softshell turtles (Apalone spp.), and freshwater catfish (Ictalurus s pp. and Noturus spp.) dominated the respective food categories. The pe rcentage of reptile remains in bald eagle diets is the highest reporte d in North America. Protection of traditional foraging areas is necess ary to provide for an increasing bald eagle population in Texas.