About Bald Eagles
The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a bird of prey found throughout North America. It is easily recognized by its white head, brown body, and hooked yellow beak. Despite its name, the bald eagle is not actually bald—its name comes from an old English word "piebald," meaning "white-headed."
Key Facts
- Scientific Name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
- Wingspan: Up to 7.5 feet (2.3 meters)
- Lifespan: 20–30 years in the wild
- Diet: Primarily fish, but also birds and small mammals
- Nesting: Builds the largest nests of any North American bird—some weighing over 1 ton!
Conservation Success Story
In the mid-20th century, bald eagles were on the brink of extinction in the contiguous United States due to habitat loss, hunting, and DDT pesticide use. Thanks to legal protection under the Endangered Species Act and the banning of DDT, their population rebounded dramatically. In 2007, the bald eagle was removed from the U.S. endangered species list.
Today, there are over 70,000 bald eagles in North America—a true testament to successful wildlife conservation efforts.
National Symbol
The bald eagle has been the national bird of the United States since 1782. It appears on the Great Seal of the United States and symbolizes strength, freedom, and independence.
Did You Know?
Bald eagles can soar at speeds up to 30 mph and dive at speeds over 100 mph when hunting! They also mate for life and often return to the same nest year after year, adding new materials each season.