Sticks placed in deep, near vertical forks result in cylindrical or conical nests. Nests built on the ground or nearly level branches are disk shaped. Bowl-shaped nests my occur where the tree trunk branches suddenly into several smaller, upright branches. Bald eagles build their nests in large trees near rivers or coasts. A typical nest is around 5 feet in diameter.
Eagles often use the same nest year after year.
Over the years, some nests become enormous, as much as 9 feet in diameter, weighing two tons. Even when a nest tree falls or a strong wind blows a nest down, the established pair usually rebuilds at or near the site within a few weeks if it is near the breeding season. The nest may be built in a tree, on a cliff, or even on the ground if there are no other options available. Eagles are territorial during nesting season. They will keep other eagles out of their own nesting area.