American Bald Eagle  

The American Bald Eagle hardly needs to be introduced. Most people from around the world would recognize this bird. After all, it is the national symbol of the United States of America.  

American Bald Eagle Origins 

The American Bald Eagle is also known as Haliaeetus leucocephalus. When translated, this Latin term actually means sea eagle and white head. This is in direct reference to its piebald or white head that is in contrast with its dark colored body. This bird is located only in North America, making it the perfect symbol for the American nation. Aside from the U.S. bald eagles can also be found in some parts of Mexico and Canada. At one point, a distinction was made between the smaller southern Bald Eagles and the northern ones. The American Bald Eagle became the official national symbol of the U.S. in 1782.  

American Bald Eagle Traits 

The Bald Eagle is an attractive bird. Both males and females have dark brown feathers on their bodies. It has a white tail like its head. The irises of its eyes, its beak and its feet are yellow. Its size is nothing less than impressive. An American Bald Eagle can grow as tall as a little over 3 feet with a wing span of about 7 or 8 feet. It can weigh over 6 pounds with a maximum weight of about 10 to 14 pounds. Females are usually larger and heavier than males. When left on their own, these birds can live from 20 to 30 years but can live longer when cared for under captive conditions.  

American Bald Eagle Habitat 

The American Bald Eagle can survive in a variety of climate conditions across the North American continent. It does however prefer to stay near large bodies of water for feeding purposes. These preferred locations however should also ideally have trees for nesting. These birds have been known to build very large nests. Some Bald Eagles stay where they decide to build nests for a large part of their lives. There are also some eagles though that migrate to other regions when the weather becomes too cold. Bald Eagles are very private creatures, staying away from human populated areas.  

American Bald Eagle Diet 

The major food of the American Bald Eagle is fish. It will swoop over a body of water and catch fish with its large talons. In some cases though Bald Eagles steal the fish caught by other animals. Aside from fish, Bald Eagles may also eat other birds, small mammals, amphibians and reptiles. During winter, when food is scarce, Bald Eagles may feed on the dead carcass of animals and fish. Of course, those that migrate have better access to food options.  

American Bald Eagle Status 

The American Bald Eagle was once an endangered species for close to four decades. In some regions it was considered a threatened species. Among the major threats faced by the Bald Eagle were illegal hunting, clearing of natural eagle habitats and the use of pesticides which damaged eagle eggs. Today, the eagle is no longer endangered but it is still a protected species.