Bald eagles live primarily in North America, with their natural range covering most of Canada, all of the continental United States, and northern Mexico
. They are typically found near large bodies of open water such as seacoasts, rivers, large lakes, reservoirs, and marshes where fish are abundant, which is their main food source
. Their preferred habitat includes old-growth and mature stands of coniferous or hardwood trees for perching, roosting, and nesting. These trees are often tall (over 20 meters), have good visibility, and are close to water. Nests are usually located within 200 meters of open water, though some have been found over 3 kilometers away
. In Canada, large populations are found along the British Columbia coast and in boreal forests across the country, with winter congregations near salmon- rich rivers like the Squamish and Cheakamus in British Columbia
. In the United States, bald eagles inhabit diverse environments from the bayous of Louisiana to the Sonoran Desert and the forests of the Northeast
. Northern populations tend to be migratory, moving seasonally, while southern populations often remain year-round on their breeding territories
. Overall, bald eagles favor habitats free from heavy human disturbance and with abundant fish and suitable nesting trees
