Eagles are long-lived birds, though their lifespan depends heavily on species and whether they live in the wild. Here is what to expect.
Eagle lifespan in the wild
In the wild, many eagles typically live around 20 to 30 years, though large numbers die young before reaching adulthood. The first year of life is the most dangerous, with threats including starvation, accidents, collisions and disease. Eagles that survive to maturity and establish a territory generally have a good chance of a long life. Bald eagles, for example, often reach their twenties in the wild. To learn about the many species, see types of eagles.
Lifespan in captivity
Eagles in captivity, such as those in zoos and sanctuaries, often live considerably longer than wild birds, sometimes reaching 40 to 50 years. Steady food, veterinary care and protection from predators and accidents all help. Some famous captive eagles have lived even longer. A well-fed diet plays a role too, as explained in what eagles eat. Like other birds of prey, eagles reward survival past their risky early years with impressive longevity.
The dangers eagles face
Even a powerful eagle has a hard start in life. First-year starvation is the biggest killer, as young birds must learn to hunt before they grow weak. Beyond that, several modern dangers take their toll:
- Lead poisoning from ammunition in the carrion they scavenge.
- Collisions with vehicles and power lines.
- Historically, pesticides such as DDT, which harmed breeding across many populations.
Most young eagles die before reaching adulthood, but those that survive can live twenty to thirty years in the wild. See bald eagle facts for more.
How we know how long eagles live
Working out an eagle's lifespan is not guesswork. Much of what we know comes from bird banding, also called ringing, where a small numbered band is fitted to a bird's leg. When a banded eagle is later found or recovered, the record shows exactly how many years have passed. Patient work like this, gathered over decades, has taught us that wild eagles typically live twenty to thirty years, whilst protected birds in captivity can reach around fifty. To learn what fuels these hunters, see what eagles eat.