Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle

The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a bird of prey found in North America. It is the national bird and symbol of the United States of America. The species was on the brink of extinction in the contiguous United States by the late 20th century but has since recovered and now thrives across much of its range.

Description

The Bald Eagle is a large bird, with a wingspan ranging from 1.8 to 2.3 meters (5.9 to 7.5 feet). Adult Bald Eagles have a distinctive white head and tail, with a dark brown body and wings. Their beak, feet, and irises are bright yellow. Juvenile Bald Eagles are mostly brown with white mottling and do not acquire the full adult plumage until they are about five years old.

Habitat

Bald Eagles are typically found near large bodies of open water with abundant food supply and old-growth trees for nesting. They are most commonly seen in coastal areas, rivers, large lakes, and reservoirs. The species is distributed across most of North America, from Alaska and Canada to northern Mexico.

Diet

Bald Eagles are opportunistic feeders and have a varied diet. They primarily feed on fish, which they snatch from the water with their powerful talons. They also eat birds, small mammals, and carrion. Bald Eagles are known to steal prey from other birds, such as ospreys, a behavior known as kleptoparasitism.

Reproduction

Bald Eagles are monogamous and often mate for life. They build large nests, called eyries, in tall trees or on cliffs. These nests can be reused and added to for several years, becoming quite large. The female typically lays 1 to 3 eggs, which both parents incubate for about 35 days. The young eagles, or eaglets, fledge at about 10 to 12 weeks of age.

Conservation

The Bald Eagle was once listed as an endangered species in the contiguous United States due to habitat destruction, illegal shooting, and the contamination of its food supply by the pesticide DDT. Conservation efforts, including the banning of DDT and habitat protection, have led to a significant recovery of the species. In 2007, the Bald Eagle was removed from the U.S. federal government's list of endangered species.

Cultural Significance

The Bald Eagle has been a symbol of the United States since 1782, when it was chosen as the emblem of the country due to its long life, great strength, and majestic appearance. It appears on the Great Seal of the United States and is featured prominently in various government institutions and on currency.

See Also

• Birds of prey
• Endangered species
• Conservation biology

References

• "Bald Eagle." National Geographic. Retrieved from [1]
• "Bald Eagle Recovery." U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Retrieved from [2]

External Links

• Audubon Field Guide: Bald Eagle
• All About Birds: Bald Eagle