Bald eagle

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 bald eagle is not actually bald; its name comes from an older meaning of "white headed".

Description

The bald eagle is a large bird, with a body length of 70–102 centimeters, a wingspan of 1.8 to 2.3 meters, and a mass of 3–6.3 kilograms; females are about 25 percent larger than males. The adult bald eagle has a brown body with a white head and tail, and bright yellow irises, taloned feet, and a hooked beak.

Habitat and Distribution

Bald eagles are found throughout most of North America, from Alaska and Canada to northern Mexico. They are most commonly found near large bodies of open water with an abundant food supply and old-growth trees for nesting.

Diet

The bald eagle's diet is primarily fish, but it is an opportunistic feeder. It hunts fish by swooping down and snatching the fish out of the water with its talons. It is also known to prey on large birds and mammals.

Reproduction

Bald eagles are believed to mate for life. A pair constructs an enormous stick nest—one of the bird-world's biggest—high above the ground and tends to a pair of eggs each year.

Conservation Status

Once endangered by hunting and pesticides, bald eagles have flourished under protection. However, they are still at risk due to habitat destruction and pollution.

Cultural Significance

The bald eagle is an important symbol in the culture of many Native American tribes. In modern times, it is perhaps best known as the national bird and symbol of the United States, appearing on the country's seal.

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