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.
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 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.)