Bald Eagle Facts  

Every American citizen is taught a number of Bald Eagle facts in school. There might however be a couple of great facts that you may not have been previously aware of. Here are some great facts about this majestic animal.  

Bald Eagle Fact #1: The Bald Eagle is not bald.  

Some people who first encounter the Bald Eagle may originally think that the bird sports a clean head. The Bald Eagle however has feathers on its head. It is simply called bald because of the white feathers on its head. This plumage coloration is often called piebald. Incidentally, the second part of the bird’s scientific name, leucocephalus also means white head. In 1782, the Golden Eagle may have been chosen over the Bald Eagle as the national symbol of America. The Bald Eagle however eventually won over the distinct honor because it is the only eagle native to North America.   

Bald Eagle Fact #2: Bald Eagles mate for life.  

One of the most interesting Bald Eagle facts is that they mate for life. This makes them much like many human couples. Before they do become mates, a pair will enter into a form of courtship characterized by elaborate flight patterns. The only time a Bald Eagle may look for another mate is if its mate dies or if they are unable to reproduce. Once Bald Eagles pair off, they build their nests together. A Bald Eagle nest can be as large as 10 feet across and can weigh thousands of pounds. This is because Bald Eagles live permanently in their nests whenever possible and simply add a few improvements when necessary, thereby making the nest bigger and heavier every year. A Bald Eagle often chooses to nest close to where it was born. 

Bald Eagle Fact Fact #3: Eagles paired for life share parenting responsibilities.  

There are other Bald Eagle facts that point to their similarity with humans. One of these is the fact that they take great care with raising their young. When the eggs are laid, both eagle parents take turns at keeping the eggs warm. The one that is free from egg watching duty has the responsibility of looking for food. Once the eggs hatch, both parents provide the chicks with food and protection. It seems no wonder that grown Bald Eagles choose to stay close to their parents’ home even when they become sexually mature themselves.  

Bald Eagle Fact Fact #4: Young Bald Eagles do not have their species’ distinctive head feather color.  

You don’t need to read basic Bald Eagle facts to know the species’ most distinguishing mark. Their piebald heads however do not appear upon birth. Young Bald Eagles often have a solid brown color with just a hint of white in some sections of the head. They get full white heads and tails when they reach sexual maturity. This stage is reached at about 4 to 6 years.  

Bald Eagle Fact Fact #5: They have excellent eyesight.  

Bald Eagles rely heavily on their eyesight when looking for food. Fortunately, they have very good eyesight. They can stand from a perch and see prey from as far as a mile away. They can see well regardless of whether they are looking from the sides or the front.  

These are only some of the many amazing Bald Eagle facts. There is a lot more that you can learn about this majestic national symbol.