The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a bird of prey found in North America. A sea eagle, it has two known subspecies and forms a species pair with the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), which occupies the same niche as the bald eagle in the Palearctic. Its range includes most of Canada and Alaska, all of the contiguous United States, and northern Mexico. It is found near large bodies of open water with an abundant food supply and old-growth trees for nesting.
The bald eagle is an opportunistic feeder which subsists mainly on fish, which it swoops down upon and snatches from the water with its talons. It will also eat other animals, such as waterfowl, small mammals, and carrion. The bald eagle is a powerful predator and can carry prey up to twice its own weight.
The bald eagle is a large bird, with an average length of 30 inches (76 cm) and a wingspan of 72 inches (183 cm). Adult males weigh 6.6–14.5 pounds (3–6.6 kg), while adult females weigh 8.8–14 pounds (4–6.4 kg). The sexes are similar in appearance, with a white head and tail, dark brown body, and yellow beak and feet. Immature birds have brown heads and tails, with white mottling.
Bald eagles are monogamous and mate for life. They build large nests, called eyries, in tall trees or on cliffs. The female lays 1–3 eggs, which hatch after about 35 days. The young birds fledge after about 10 weeks.
The bald eagle is a symbol of the United States and has been featured on its currency since 1782. It was once endangered due to hunting and habitat loss, but populations have rebounded thanks to conservation efforts. The bald eagle was removed from the endangered species list in 1995.
Here are some additional facts about the bald eagle:
The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States.
The bald eagle was once endangered due to hunting and habitat loss.
Bald eagles are monogamous and mate for life.
Bald eagles build large nests, called eyries, in tall trees or on cliffs.
The female bald eagle lays 1–3 eggs, which hatch after about 35 days.
The young bald eagles fledge after about 10 weeks.
Bald eagles are an important part of the ecosystem and help to control populations of fish and other animals.
The bald eagle is a majestic and beautiful bird that is an important part of the North American landscape. It is a symbol of strength, freedom, and hope.
