Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus · Bird, Vertebrate, Warm-blooded, Wild
Animal Family
Accipitridae, order Accipitriformes, class Aves
Animal Category
Bird of Prey
Breed / Variety
Nominative species (no distinct subspecies beyond regional size variations like Northern vs. Southern populations)
Conservation Status
Least Concern, population trend increasing due to recovery efforts following the ban of DDT
About This Creature
Large raptor with a distinctive white head and tail contrasting with a dark brown body and wings. Females are slightly larger than males.
Physical Characteristics
Heavy-bodied bird with a large hooked yellow beak, powerful talons, broad wings, and a medium-length rounded tail. Fully white head and tail are attained at maturity around 4 to 5 years of age.
Behavior & Temperament
Generally solitary outside of breeding season, highly territorial, diurnal, uses soaring flight and perch-hunting, builds massive stick nests (eyries) reused annually.
Habitat & Diet
Origin Region
North America including Canada, the contiguous United States, and Alaska
Habitat
Wetland, Coastal, River/Lake, Forest; Aerial and Terrestrial
Diet & Nutrition
Carnivorous (primarily piscivorous, feeding on fish, but also scavenging carrion and hunting waterfowl and small mammals)
Lifespan & Health
Up to 20-30 years in the wild, longer in captivity; subject to lead poisoning, West Nile virus, and habitat disruptions
Special Characteristics
National bird and symbol of the United States, exceptional visual acuity, capable of powerful soaring flight using thermal currents
Ecological Information
Apex predator helping regulate populations of fish and small mammals, serving as a bioindicator of ecosystem health