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release of a rehabilitated bird. If the release may cause a negative response in a wild nesting pair, it
is not ethical to release in that area or at that time.

Species Considerations

The natural history of each species and other members of its genus provides vital guidance for cap-
tive care, and may show regional variation. Legal guidelines and laws that govern the handling and
captive care of eagles may vary in each state, province, or country. Most eagle species of the world
are found in Africa, Europe, or Asia (Clark 1999; Steyn et al. 2001). North America has two native
eagle species (Dunne and Karlson 2017), whereas three species are native to Australia (Hollands
2004), and nine are found in Mexico, Central, and South America (Clark and Schmitt 2017). Be
aware that species may vary greatly in terms of behavior of both the adults and youngsters, toler-
ance for disturbance at the nest, and parental care post‐fledging. Behavior varies greatly between
individuals as well as species. These aspects must be considered before intervening or removing an
eaglet from the nest area. Consult with local or regional wildlife professionals when possible to
obtain history and information regarding the specific nest site and adult birds in residence at the
nest before interacting with it.

­ Criteria­for Intervention

Eaglets are always best reared by their natural parents whenever possible. After an examination, if
an eaglet is found to be healthy, has no serious injuries, and can eat and digest food well, it is pos-
sible to return it to the nest. If the natural nest has been destroyed, an artificial structure should be
considered if it can be installed at or very near the original nest site. When using an artificial nest
or nest platform, or fostering an eaglet into a different wild nest of the same species with a single
same‐age chick, it is not ethical practice to overburden and therefore jeopardize a natural wild
nest. The natural wild nestlings must take precedence over those already in rehabilitation as they
hold a higher likelihood of successfully becoming a reproductive adult.

Questions­to Ask­the Public

Questioning the individual that has found an eaglet is important to make sure the chick is truly
injured or in need of care. Ask that photos be taken of the eaglet and its surroundings and sent to
the center. In this way the rehabilitators and veterinarians can evaluate the chick before it is moved
or removed from the nest area.
Are the parents in attendance? A single parent can finish rearing an older chick.
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Is blood or obvious traumatic injury visible?
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Is the chick in immediate danger from dogs or other predators?
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Are weather conditions in the area a risk for the chick (forest fire, floods etc.)?
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Most eaglets admitted to wildlife rehabilitation centers are youngsters that are not yet flighted,
have been found on the ground, and do not have parents in attendance. Situations causing a chick
to leave or be ejected from the nest include a predator at the nest or storms that cause nest trees to
be toppled or youngsters to be blown out. Territorial aggression by sparring adults at the nest can
oust an eaglet accidentally and cause failure of the nest structure. Loud sounds near a nest,
particularly those at night – such as fireworks – may cause a chick to bolt and flee the nest. This