Introduction
The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a bird of prey found throughout North America. Known for its striking white head and tail contrasting with a dark brown body, it has been the national emblem of the United States since 1782.
Key Facts
- Scientific Name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
- Wingspan: 6 to 7.5 feet (1.8 to 2.3 meters)
- Weight: 6.5 to 14 pounds (3 to 6.3 kg)
- Lifespan: Up to 20–30 years in the wild
- Diet: Primarily fish, but also birds and small mammals
- Habitat: Near large bodies of open water with abundant food and tall trees for nesting
Conservation Success Story
Once endangered due to habitat destruction, hunting, and DDT pesticide use, the Bald Eagle population has made a remarkable recovery thanks to conservation efforts, legal protection under the Endangered Species Act, and the banning of DDT in 1972.
In 2007, the Bald Eagle was officially removed from the U.S. Endangered Species List—a testament to successful wildlife conservation.
Cultural Significance
The Bald Eagle appears on the Great Seal of the United States, presidential seals, and many government logos. It symbolizes freedom, strength, and independence—core values of the nation.
Native American cultures also revere the Bald Eagle, often using its feathers in sacred ceremonies and viewing it as a spiritual messenger.
Did You Know?
Bald Eagles build the largest nests of any North American bird—some weighing over 1 ton and measuring up to 10 feet across!
Despite their name, Bald Eagles are not actually bald. The term "bald" comes from an old English word "piebald," meaning "white-headed."