The loss of a mate is always difficult, but for eagles, the death of their life partner sets off an intricate series of behaviors and adaptations. Eagles form monogamous bonds that can last decades, so when one partner dies, the survivor must make some big adjustments.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: When an eagle loses its mate, the surviving eagle will go through a mourning period and then eventually take a new mate. The new pair will rebuild the nest together and raise young.
In this article, we’ll explore in detail what happens when an eagle’s mate dies, including the mourning behaviors, how long it takes them to accept a new partner, the courting rituals, rebuilding the nest, and successfully raising chicks together.
The Mourning Period
Remaining at the Nest Site
When an eagle loses its mate, it will often remain at the nest site for several days. The surviving eagle is reluctant to leave the area where its mate died. Eagles form strong pair bonds that can last for many years, so the death of a mate is a profound loss.
The bereaved eagle will perch on a tree or other elevated location near the nest and watch over the area. This may go on for up to a week or longer.
Crying Out and Guarding the Body
Eagles engage in loud, plaintive calling when their mate dies. The cries of a mourning eagle sound sadder and more forlorn than usual. If its mate died at or near the nest, the surviving eagle may stay near the body for days, protecting it from scavengers.
Eagles have strong instincts to defend the nest area, so guarding the deceased mate can persist for some time after death. This mournful vigil is a poignant sight as the loyal eagle keeps away intruders.
A Solitary Period of Grieving
Once the initial mourning at the nest is over, the surviving eagle enters a solitary period of grieving. It will roost alone and avoid other eagles for some time. How long this solitary phase lasts depends on the individual. Some eagles may only isolate themselves for a few weeks.
But others remain alone for months before seeking a new mate. This period of solitude seems to allow the mourning eagle to process its loss and transition to the next phase of life.
Interestingly, some studies show that female eagles often mourn longer than males. One study of 25 bereaved eagles found that females spent an average of 99 days alone after their mates died compared to only 54 days for males (Audubon.org).
This may reflect the slightly stronger nesting instincts of female eagles. But both genders clearly need time to grieve after such a profound loss.
Accepting a New Mate
Returning to Social Interactions
After the loss of a lifelong eagle companion, the surviving eagle initially goes through a mourning period where they spend time alone or with their offspring from previous breeding seasons. However, bald eagles are social creatures that require interaction with other eagles to thrive.
Gradually, the solo eagle will return to communal roosting areas or feeding grounds to tentatively reengage with other eagles in the wild population.
At first, the solo eagle may simply observe from a distance as the other eagles socialize, forage, and even engage in courtship rituals for new pair bonds. This allows the solo eagle to readjust to social dynamics and get a sense of which eagles are available as potential new mates.
Eagles easing back into social situations after a loss often perch on the outskirts of activity hubs or interact only briefly with acquaintances. However, the urge to find a lifelong companion will eventually override the reticence.
Courting Rituals
When ready to find a new partner, bald eagles engage in ritualistic courtship behaviors to attract potential mates. Courting eagles will perform spectacular aerial displays, locking talons and cartwheeling together in freefall above communal gathering places.
This death-defying dance advertises the pair’s fitness and cement their bond. Solo eagles rejoining the mating pool will watch these daring performances closely to evaluate prospective partners.
Interested unpaired eagles may join courting duos mid-flight or respond with their own aerial maneuvers to capture attention. Pairs will perch close together, preening each other’s feathers and vocalizingsoft chirps and whistles.
They may also perform food exchanges, with one eagle presenting a gift of prey to their intended mate. These bonding behaviors solidify the new pair’s relationship before nesting season arrives.
Rebuilding the Pair Bond
Bald eagles mate for life, so finding a new partner after losing a longtime mate requires patience and effort. But once they accept a new mate through careful courtship, the pair bond begins growing as they turn their focus to breeding.
They will construct a sturdy nest together in a tall tree or cliffside perch, cementing their cooperation and commitment.
The new pair relies on mutual trust and affection to thrive, just as in any relationship. They depend on each other to share nesting duties, defend their territory, and raise eaglets together. It takes time to build the flawless teamwork and communication skills perfected with a longtime mate.
But with care and dedication, a new pair bond can blossom into the enduring lifelong partnership baldeagles are meant to share.
Rebuilding the Nest
Choosing a Nest Site
After the death of its mate, the surviving eagle must rebuild the nest in order to attract a new partner. Eagles often choose the tallest trees with sturdy branches to build their nests, as these locations allow them to easily take off and land while providing strength and stability.
The nest rebuilding process begins with the eagle choosing a site that offers good visibility to spot predators or prey, shelter from weather, and accessibility for raising eaglets.
According to raptor resource websites like All About Birds, eagles invest tremendous effort into building their nests. An eagle’s nest can be over 8 feet wide and weigh over 2 tons! By choosing an optimal nesting site, the eagle can help ensure effective breeding and chick rearing after finding a new mate.
The Pair Working Together
Once the surviving eagle attracts a new mate, the pair cooperates to build up the nest. The male and female take turns gathering branches, moss, grass, corn stalks, and other materials to reinforce the structure. This joint effort forms a sturdy base for housing eggs and raising hatchlings.
An Audubon Society article stated that the average mating pair will invest over 1,000 hours constructing their nest over 6-8 weeks! By working together, the mated raptors create a more durable nest than if just one bird did all the work. Their teamwork also strengthens pair bonding.
Defending the Territory
A vital part of establishing a nest is protecting the territory around it. Eagles define a home range area of about 1-3 square miles on average. After choosing a nesting site, the eagles patrol the skies above their domain and chase away intruders.
These boundaries ensure sufficient food resources and habitat space for raising offspring.
Did you know that bald eagles have 7000 PSI talon grip strength for defense and hunting? With razor-sharp beaks and powerful talons, a mated pair can effectively ward off competing eagles or other wildlife looking to encroach on their turf.
By boldly defending their territory, the rebuilding pair helps set themselves up for successful breeding and chick rearing ahead.
Raising Young as a New Pair
When an eagle loses its mate, it can be devastating. However, eagles are resilient birds that will often find a new partner and continue breeding. Raising eaglets as a new pair comes with its own set of challenges though.
Egg Laying and Incubation
If the surviving eagle is female, she will lay a clutch of 1-3 eggs within a few days to weeks of bonding with her new mate. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the average bald eagle clutch contains 1-3 eggs. The female will then incubate the eggs for about 35 days before they hatch.
Incubating eggs as a new pair requires cooperation. The male eagle will hunt and bring food back to the female as she patiently sits on the nest. formation from Audubon notes that the female bald eagle does about 90% of actual incubating duties.
Feeding and Protecting the Eaglets
Once the eaglets hatch, both parents take turns feeding the hungry chicks. According to the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, eaglets eat around 1/2 pound of food daily, which can include fish, waterfowl, snakes, turtles, rabbits, and other small mammals.
As a new mated pair, the eagles must learn each other’s mannerisms and signals to effectively communicate when one parent will leave to hunt while the other stays to protect the eaglets. Bonding as a new pair while raising eaglets takes compromise, but most eagles catch on quickly.
Eaglets grow rapidly, increasing their weight by about 4-5x from hatching to fledging, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The parents work hard to provide enough nutrition during this crucial growth phase.
Fledging the Juveniles
If the eaglets successfully grow and fledge from the nest, it is a testament to the hard work and quick bonding of the new eagle pair. Most bald eagles fledge between about 10-13 weeks after hatching, according to the University of Michigan.
Fledging occurs when the young eagles take their first flights from the nest. At this stage, they are still dependent on their parents for food. The parents will stay close by, training their fledglings to perfect their flying skills and hunt for themselves up until about 15-20 weeks of age.
Raising eagles from egg to fledgling as a new mated pair has its challenges, but most breeding seasons are successful – about 75% according to San Diego Zoo. This high success rate speaks to the resilience and adaptability of North America’s iconic raptors.
Conclusion
The death of an eagle’s lifelong mate is a devastating event, but the species has evolved behaviors that allow the surviving bird to eventually accept a new partner. While the mourning period may last for months, the eagles are driven by instinct to rebuild their bond and nest.
With time and hard work, the new pair can successfully raise chicks, ensuring the continuation of their genetic line.
