Bald Eagle Definition

The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a majestic bird of prey and is the national bird and symbol of the United States. Here are some general characteristics and facts about the bald eagle:

Bald Eagle General Characteristics & Facts

General Characteristics of the Bald Eagle:

Size

The bald eagle is a large bird with a wingspan ranging from 6 to 7.5 feet (1.8 to 2.3 meters). Adult males and females have similar sizes, but females are usually slightly larger and heavier.

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Plumage

As the name suggests, adult bald eagles have a distinctive white head and tail, while their body and wings are dark brown. Juvenile bald eagles have mostly dark plumage with some white markings, and it takes about four to five years for them to attain their full adult plumage.

Bill and Eyes

Bald eagles have a strong and hooked yellow beak, which is used for tearing apart their prey. Their eyes are also yellow, providing excellent vision and keen eyesight.

Habitat

Bald eagles are found near large bodies of open water, such as lakes, rivers, coastal estuaries, and marshes. They prefer areas with abundant fish, as fish make up a significant part of their diet.

Behavior

Bald eagles are skilled and powerful fliers. They can soar at high altitudes using thermal air currents and have been observed flying at speeds of up to 30 to 35 miles per hour (48 to 56 kilometers per hour).

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Bald Eagle General Characteristics & Facts

General Characteristics of the Bald Eagle:

Size: The bald eagle is a large bird with a wingspan ranging from 6 to 7.5 feet (1.8 to 2.3 meters). Adult males and females have similar sizes, but females are usually slightly larger and heavier.

Plumage: As the name suggests, adult bald eagles have a distinctive white head and tail, while their body and wings are dark brown. Juvenile bald eagles have mostly dark plumage with some white markings, and it takes about four to five years for them to attain their full adult plumage.

Bill and Eyes: Bald eagles have a strong and hooked yellow beak, which is used for tearing apart their prey. Their eyes are also yellow, providing excellent vision and keen eyesight.

Habitat: Bald eagles are found near large bodies of open water, such as lakes, rivers, coastal estuaries, and marshes. They prefer areas with abundant fish, as fish make up a significant part of their diet.

Behavior: Bald eagles are skilled and powerful fliers. They can soar at high altitudes using thermal air currents and have been observed flying at speeds of up to 30 to 35 miles per hour (48 to 56 kilometers per hour).

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Scientific Classification of Bald Eagle

The scientific classification of the Bald Eagle is as follows:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Accipitriformes

Family: Accipitridae

Genus: Haliaeetus

Species: leucopenia

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Bald Eagle FAQs

What does a Bald Eagle eat?

Bald Eagles primarily feed on fish, but their diet is diverse and may include:

Fish (mainly freshwater and coastal species like salmon, trout, herring, etc.)
Birds (waterfowl, seabirds, and occasionally smaller birds)
Small mammals (rabbits, squirrels, and other small rodents)
Carrion (dead animals)
Reptiles (turtles, snakes, etc.)
Crustaceans (crabs, crayfish, etc.)

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Bald Eagle Definition | Characteristics & Facts