In contrast to their rather solitary behavior on the breeding grounds, Bald Eagles are quite sociable in winter. They form into loose flocks in area where there are remote trees for roosting. Nearly 400 have been counted at one time on Squaw Creek Refuge in northwest Missouri, one of the highest concentrations anywhere. At waterfowl areas they feed primarily on dead and crippled waterfowl.
Fish compose the buld of their diet elsewhere.
They usually detect prey by soaring, or from a high perch. Piracy is not beneath the eagle and if one obtains a prize catch, others often pursue him. In addition to feeding sites, a wintering locality usually contains separate, more isolated night roosts. A few Bald Eagles are usually detected in Missouri by mid-fall. The majority arrive in December.