Out of twenty eaglets, how many will live to be adults?
A. This varies with the population in question. From our work releasing eagles in new york, about 2.5 adults would survive for every 20 ( 1 in 8). Mortality is highest for eagles in their first year of life, especially their first six months. The first winter is crucial. Some biologists (two studies) have estimated mortality as high as 72 % within one year of fledging (leaving the nest). Another study estimated that only 11 % of eagles were alive after 3 years of life. In general, we believe that only about 1 in 10 eagles survive to adulthood ( 5 yrs of age ).
