How Long Do Bald Eagles Live For?

How amazing is this picture of a bald eagle posted by @patrickvb75 – We think he looks so old and wise in this picture!

The lifespan of birds, in general, can vary quite a bit among the different species. Most common birds that you’d find in your backyard have a lifespan of around 2 to 5 years, while birds who commonly live in captivity, such as parrots, can live 50 to even 100 years.

The bald eagle has an average lifespan of 20 to 25 years in the wild, with the oldest bald eagle on record reaching the ripe old age of 47. However, this particular bird lived life in captivity and was well taken care of. In the wild, many eagles don’t live out their entire lifespan.

Around 10% of bald eagles live the 4 to 5 years it takes them to reach full maturity when they develop their characteristic white head like the handsome chap in this picture.