You likely know that most birds lay eggs in early spring, but what about those nests you see full of baby chicks even later in the year? They may have made you wonder about birds who lay their eggs at more unusual times. Specifically, are there any bird species that lay their eggs in October?
In this article, we’ll discuss when birds typically lay eggs and why springtime is most common. We’ll also talk about some species that are exceptions to the rule, and, finally, birds that lay their eggs in October.
When do Birds Lay Eggs?
Most bird species make their nests and lay their eggs in the spring. As winter thaws and they migrate back home for mating season, they aim to take advantage of the warm weather while it lasts. This is especially true for species whose offspring take more time to develop into adults.
Faster-developing species can lay eggs later in the season and may even have multiple clutches. However, there are a few species that lay their eggs in the late fall or winter months, since cold conditions are more difficult for baby chicks to survive.
Of course, these rules apply more to areas with cold winters. In warmer climates, birds have to worry less about experiencing untimely snowfall or about freezing temperatures killing their fragile baby chicks.
Egg-laying season varies a bit depending on the region where the birds live, but they still tend to avoid laying in the winter. You may see some species building their nests in these months, though, as they prepare to hatch their eggs as early in the spring season as possible.
Exceptions to the Rule
For every rule, there’s at least one exception. There are birds who lay eggs year-round, such as barn owls, which lack a specific breeding season.
Great horned owls and chickadees work on their nests throughout the winter and may lay eggs as early as February. This gives their chicks as much time as possible to develop into adults before the next frost occurs.
On the other side of the coin, American Goldfinches lay their eggs in late summer to early fall, when there is a peak in wildflower seeds, one of their main food sources. Some birds, like robins, cardinals, and mourning doves, will hatch multiple broods each season, with the last eggs hatched in late summer to early fall.
Bird diets make a huge difference here, as does location. Many late layers are birds that don’t eat insects, so they rely on seeds or even meat, which may be more available later in the year. Mother birds need extra nutrients for healthy egg production, and of course, they have to feed their babies as well!
Bald Eagles: Birds That Lay Eggs in October
So, getting back to our original question: which birds lay eggs in October? There are startlingly few, but one surprising answer is the bald eagle.
Bald eagles live in various regions of North America, and they won’t always lay their eggs so late in the season. However, bald eagles in Florida have been known to lay their eggs in October since they don’t have to worry much about cold winters. In northern states, the eagles will often lay their eggs around March.
In Florida, October is a good time for them to lay their eggs as it’s the dry season. Shallow waters can make it easier for the parent birds to source food for themselves and their youngsters, as eagles primarily eat fish.
Other prey, such as smaller birds migrating from cooler climates, may also be more readily available in winter.
Bald Eagle Habitats
As we discussed above, bald eagles live all over North America. However, they tend to nest near water sources. Specifically, they’re typically found less than three miles from the coasts of rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water.
Like most birds, they most commonly nest in trees. However, you may also see an eagle nest up high on a cliff or on a tall and sturdy man-made structure. Since their nests are very large, they look for places that can bear weight.
Bald eagles also tend to stay near forests, as they need the trees for nest cover and protection as much as they need the water as a food source.
What do Bald Eagles Eat?
Bald eagles eat primarily fish, waterfowl, and other seabirds. These opportunistic hunters may also prey on small mammals and birds, and even dead wildlife. Whatever they can sink their claws into, they will eat!
Since fish is by far their main food source, it’s no wonder they stay close to the water at all times and prefer to nest in nearby trees or structures.
Bald Eagle Clutches
As large birds, bald eagles tend to have small clutches of one to four eggs. Most commonly, they will hatch two each season. If something happens to an egg early in the season, the mother bird may replace it by laying a new one.
It takes about 35 days for bald eagle eggs to hatch, and another twelve weeks before the baby eagles can fly.
Most of the incubation is done by the mother bird, with some help from the father. He will also stick nearby to help protect the nest from predators.
Once hatched, the baby chicks rely solely on their parents’ care but grow very quickly. They can gain up to a pound a week during their first ten weeks, with adult birds weighing six to 15 pounds. Female bald eagles are much larger than males, both during development and once fully grown.
Parents will continue to care for the baby eaglets as they learn how to hunt and feed themselves, but after around a month they’re expected to care for themselves. Their first winter can be quite dangerous, which is why in most locations the eagles will have their offspring as early in the spring as possible. This gives them time to develop before the cold hits!
