Bald Eagle: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 00:14, 18 August 2025

The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a bird of prey found in North America and is the national bird and symbol of the United States of America. Known for its distinctive white head and tail contrasting with a dark brown body and wings, the bald eagle represents freedom and strength.

Description

Adult bald eagles have a wingspan ranging from 5.9 to 7.5 feet (1.8 to 2.3 m). Females are generally larger than males. Their powerful beaks, strong talons, and keen eyesight make them formidable hunters. Juvenile eagles are mostly brown with mottled white until they reach maturity at about five years of age.

Range and Habitat

Bald eagles are found throughout most of North America, from Alaska and Canada to northern Mexico. They thrive near large bodies of open water, such as rivers, lakes, and coastal regions, where fish are abundant. Nesting sites typically include tall trees or cliffs with a wide view of the surrounding area.

Diet

The primary diet of bald eagles consists of fish, but they also feed on birds, small mammals, and carrion. They are opportunistic hunters and are known to steal prey from other birds such as ospreys.

Symbolism

In 1782, the bald eagle was officially adopted as the national emblem of the United States, appearing on the Great Seal. The bird has since become an enduring symbol of freedom, courage, and independence in American culture.

Conservation

Bald eagles once faced severe population declines during the 20th century due to hunting, habitat destruction, and the use of pesticides such as DDT. By the 1960s, the species was listed as endangered. Conservation efforts, legal protection, and the banning of DDT helped the population recover. In 2007, the bald eagle was removed from the U.S. Endangered Species List, though it remains protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

External links

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 == Range and Habitat ==
-Bald eagles are found throughout most of North America, from Alaska and Canada to northern Mexico. They thrive near large bodies of open water, such as rivers, lakes, and coastal regions, where fish are abundant. Nesting sites typically include tall trees or cliffs with a wide view of the surrounding area.
+Bald eagles are found throughout most of North America, from [[Alaska]] and [https://factsaboutcanada.ca Canada] to northern Mexico. They thrive near large bodies of open water, such as rivers, lakes, and coastal regions, where fish are abundant. Nesting sites typically include tall trees or cliffs with a wide view of the surrounding area.
 == Diet ==