30/06/2023
Facts from Journey North
An average territory is about 1 mile in diameter, though in areas where food is harder to find, territories may be larger than in areas where food is abundant.
A territory can only have one active nest at a time. From year to year, the pair may abandon a nest and build another, or it may continue adding to and renovating a single nest. The second or third nests are alternative nests.
Eagles use a loud song or call to defend their territory. The raptor tosses its head skyward several times while emitting a ringing call to perceived threats.
In addition to calling, an eagle will also protect its territory by flying around it or by perching conspicuously near the top of a nearby tree.
The biggest territorial threat is posed by other eagles. Floaters — adult birds without territory — may be wanting to move into existing nests. There are floater and immature males on the fringes waiting to breed.
When an eagle intruder inadvertently flies close to or through an occupied territory, the resident adults gives chase, and in extreme cases, engages in aerial tumbling and even talon-locking.
