The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a bird of prey found in North America. A sea eagle, it has two known subspecies and forms a species pair with the White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla).
Its range includes most of Canada and Alaska, all of the contiguous United States, and northern Mexico. It is found near large bodies of open water with abundant food supply and old-growth trees for nesting.
The Bald Eagle is an emblem of the United States of America and appears on its seal. It was chosen as a national symbol in 1782.
Conservation Status
After significant decreases during the 20th century due to hunting, habitat destruction, and the effects of DDT, the Bald Eagle has made a significant recovery. It was removed from the federal government’s list of endangered species in 2007.
Interesting Facts
- The Bald Eagle can live up to 20-30 years in the wild.
- Despite its name, the Bald Eagle isn’t bald. "Bald" comes from the old English word "piebald," meaning white-headed.
- Bald Eagles build the largest tree nests of any bird, measuring up to 13 feet deep and 8 feet wide.
