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Animals & Nature

Bald Eagle

The bald eagle is a large North American bird of prey recognized by the white head and tail of mature adults.

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The bald eagle is a large bird of prey native to North America. Mature adults have dark brown bodies, white heads and tails, and yellow beaks. They commonly live near rivers, lakes, coasts, and wetlands, where fish make up much of their diet.

Bald eagles build large stick nests, often returning to the same nesting area and adding material over many years. Their populations declined severely during the twentieth century but recovered enough for the species to be removed from the United States endangered and threatened species list in 2007.

Quick facts

  • The bald eagle's scientific name is Haliaeetus leucocephalus.
  • Mature adults have dark brown bodies with white heads and tails.
  • Young bald eagles usually do not develop full adult coloring until they are about four or five years old.
  • Fish make up much of the species' diet, although bald eagles also eat other animals and carrion.
  • The species was removed from the United States endangered and threatened species list in 2007.

A surprising fact

A bald eagle nest can grow to about ten feet across and weigh as much as roughly two thousand pounds after years of reuse.