When Do Baby Eagles Leave the Nest?

Bye, Mommy!

Baby eagles in the nest with a parent eagle image.

Baby eagles, called eaglets, first leave their safe nest by flying to a neighboring branch. This first flight is 2.5-3 months after the eagle has hatched (10–12 weeks). Before it attempts to fly away, the eaglet will practice jumping up to feel the wind it in its wings. It will hover over the nest. Many practice landings need to happen.

Eaglets that have flown out of the nest are called “fledglings.”

Flight Practice

The fledglings are still beginner fliers! The young birds will stay in nearby trees, flying back to the nest at night to sleep. The fledglings need 1-2 months of flight practice before they can fly well enough to stay away from the nest. During this time, the eagle parents will teach them how to catch fish in their talons by flying low over the water. This takes a lot of skill!

Ellen Auchter 👩‍💻 Environmental Writer Clap to Like this post! Highlight some text and leave a message. Follow me by clicking on my photo.