Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Majestic Symbol of Freedom

The Bald Eagle, the national bird of the United States, is a majestic raptor renowned for its striking appearance and powerful presence.

Physical Characteristics

With a wingspan ranging from 6 to 7.5 feet and weighing between 6.5 to 14 pounds, the Bald Eagle is one of the largest birds of prey in North America. Adult Bald Eagles are easily recognizable by their distinctive white heads and tails, which contrast sharply with their dark brown bodies and wings. Their beaks and feet are bright yellow, adding to their regal appearance. Juvenile Bald Eagles, however, are mostly brown with mottled white on their underparts and wings, only gaining their iconic plumage after about five years.

Habitat and Diet

Bald Eagles primarily inhabit areas near large bodies of open water such as lakes, rivers, marshes, and coastal regions. They require an ample food supply and old-growth trees or cliffs for nesting. Their diet mainly consists of fish, which they capture with their powerful talons. They are also opportunistic feeders, scavenging carrion and occasionally hunting small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Nesting and Reproduction

Bald Eagles build the largest nests of any North American bird, often reusing and adding to the same nest year after year. These nests, called eyries, can reach up to 13 feet deep and 8 feet wide, weighing as much as a ton. The breeding season varies by location but generally occurs between March and April. Bald Eagles are known for their strong monogamous pair bonds, often mating for life.

Conservation and Recovery

Conservation efforts have played a crucial role in the recovery of Bald Eagle populations, which were once critically endangered due to hunting, habitat destruction, and the use of pesticides like DDT. Today, thanks to legal protection and habitat restoration, Bald Eagles have made a remarkable comeback and are now listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN.