Bald Eagles: Facts & Myths About the US National Bird
Discover bald eagle facts: habitat, diet, lifespan, and remarkable recovery from near extinction of North America’s iconic bird of prey.
Introduction
You've probably seen the bald eagle on flags, money, and government seals. But how much do you really know about this bird? Beyond just being the signature bird of the most powerful nation in the world. The bald eagle is the only eagle species found solely in North America and is one of nature's most powerful hunters. However, they once came close to disappearing forever.
In this article, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about bald eagles, using scientific facts. How strong are they? What do they eat? How high can they fly? Do they really mate for life, and what saved them from extinction? By the end, you'll find out what truly makes America's national bird remarkable.
Image by Anrita from Pixabay
What Is A Bald Eagle?
If you have ever seen a bald eagle in the wild, you know it is not the kind of bird you forget. With its broad wings, sharp yellow eyes, and that white head, it makes it truly unforgettable. But what actually makes a bald eagle a bald eagle?
Its scientific name is Haliaeetus leucocephalus, meaning "white-headed sea eagle." It shares the same family as hawks and kites, and it is only found in North America. There are two types of bald eagles. The northern birds that live in Alaska and Canada are bigger. In contrast, those in the lower United States are a little bit smaller.
Image by Bernd Hildebrandt from Pixabay
Why Is It Called A Bald Eagle If It Has Feathers?
The bald eagle is not actually bald. The name comes from the Old English word “balde,” meaning “white-headed,” not hairless. Early settlers used the word to describe the bird’s bright white head, which stood out against its dark brown body.
What makes this even more interesting is that bald eagles are not born with white feathers. Young eagles are fully brown with mottled patches. It takes about four to five years before their heads and tails turn completely white. That white crown is part of what made the bird so admired. When the Founding Fathers chose a national symbol, they wanted something strong, wild, and noble.
Plumage changes of a young bald eagle from nestling to age five.
Image by Daniel Polin, William Thein, and Ingela Kaersvang, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where Do Bald Eagles Live?
If you want to spot a bald eagle, start near water. They stay close to lakes, rivers, marshes, and coastlines. They also look for tall, strong trees to build their nests and areas with little human disturbance. Bald eagles live in every U.S. state except Hawaii, but they are far more common in certain regions.
Alaska has the largest population of bald eagles, with more than 30,000 birds. They are also found in high numbers in the Pacific Northwest, around the Great Lakes, and in Florida. In Maryland, they nest in 20 of the state's 23 counties. You can find them around Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and along the Potomac River.
It is important to note that not all eagles stay in the same place year-round. Eagles in colder northern regions often migrate south in winter when lakes freeze. While eagles in warmer states usually stay put.
Photo by Nathan Anderson on Unsplash
What Do Bald Eagles Eat?
Fish is a major part of a bald eagle's diet, which is why you see them near lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. Salmon, trout, and catfish are common types of fish that they love. But bald eagles are far from being picky hunters: When fish are difficult to catch or are in low quantity, they will hunt ducks, gulls, rabbits, squirrels, or muskrats. They can spot prey from over a mile away. They grab it with talons that can squeeze with over 400 pounds of pressure.
They are also known thieves. Bald eagles often steal fish from ospreys in mid-air rather than catch their own. And when hunting is not worth the effort, they scavenge. They will feed on dead animals on river ice, roadkill, or even scraps near landfills. In winter, when water freezes, scavenging becomes the main way they find food.
Photo by U.S. Army, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0.
How Big Are Bald Eagles?
One surprising fact about bald eagles is their size. When their wings are totally extended, they can be as wide as 6 to 8 feet, which is about the same length as a full-sized sofa. They stand around 2 to 3 feet tall, so if one were beside you, it might reach your waist.
Like most birds of prey, female bald eagles are larger than their male counterparts. The males normally weigh 6 to 10 pounds, while females can be up to 10-14 pounds. The ones living in colder regions, such as Alaska and Canada, grow larger because a big body retains heat more.
Photo by Peter K Burian, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 4.0.
How Long Do Bald Eagles Live?
In the wild, the typical life span of a bald eagle can be about 20 to 30 years. In captivity, however, they live over 40 years, especially because they are protected from injury, starvation, and disease. The oldest recorded wild bald eagle lived to almost 38 years.
Most bald eagles never attain that age. Their first year is the most difficult. Only about half of all eaglets survive due to starvation, falls from the nest, or lack of hunting skills. As adults, they face different dangers.
One of the most serious threats is lead poisoning from bullet fragments in animal carcasses. They can also be hit by cars or trains while feeding on roadkill, which is how the oldest bird was killed. Power lines pose another risk because eagles can be electrocuted when their wings touch two wires at once. Illness is also possible, especially when they eat fish or carrion contaminated with toxins or chemicals.
Photo by Sean P. Twomey on Pexels
How Fast and How High Can Bald Eagles Fly?
Bald eagles are powerful fliers. They normally cruise at about 30 to 40 miles per hour. They even reach dives of over 75 miles per hour while dropping toward their target. With the help of rising warm air, called thermal currents, they can soar up to 10,000 feet. They do all this without flapping their wings much. This helps them travel long distances while using very little energy.
Their eyesight is one of their greatest strengths. A bald eagle can see four to five times better than a human. They can spot a fish from more than a mile away. Bald eagles are most active on clear, sunny days. During this time, rising warm air creates strong thermals that help to carry them with little effort. On rainy or overcast days, they tend to stay in one place. While sometimes they fly only short distances because of the lack of sunlight, which reduces thermal lift.
Image by Stacy Vitallo from Pixabay
How Do Bald Eagles Mate and Raise Their Young?
Bald eagles are usually lifelong partners, and their courting is anything but uncomplicated. One of the most dramatic sights happens when two eagles lock talons high in the sky. They tumble downward together before breaking apart. It looks dangerous, but this activity has a purpose. They help strengthen the bond between them and show whether a partner is strong enough to raise the young.
Their nests are just as impressive. Eagles build them in tall trees or on cliff edges, always near water. A new nest might start at five feet wide. However, because the pair adds new sticks every year, it can grow to the size of a small car. In Florida, one nest measured nine feet across and almost 20 feet deep. The female lays one to three eggs, and both parents help incubate them for about 35 days. The chicks stay in the nest for around 10 to 12 weeks before trying their first flight.
Courtship display: Photo by Polinova, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0; Nesting behavior: Photo by mana5280 on Unsplash
Were Bald Eagles Ever Endangered?
Yes, bald eagles were once on the brink of going out of existence. By the early 1960s, only 417 known nesting pairs remained in the lower 48 states. The principal cause was DDT, a pesticide that accumulated in the fish they ate. It didn't kill the adults, but it made their eggshells so thin that they cracked during incubation. Hunting, habitat loss, and poisoning also contributed to the decline.
Everything changed when the U.S. banned DDT in 1972 and passed the Endangered Species Act in 1973. Protection laws stopped hunting and gave eagles safe places to nest and feed. Their numbers slowly began to rise. In 2007, bald eagles were officially removed from the Endangered Species List. Today, there are more than 316,000 in the United States. This makes their recovery one of the greatest wildlife success stories in history.
What Laws Protect Bald Eagles Today?
Bald eagles are one of the most legally protected birds in the United States. The principal legislation protecting them is the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, enacted initially in 1940. This act prohibits killing, wounding, or trapping. They also prohibit the sale or possession of eagle feathers, eggs, or nests without permission from the government. Violations could attract fines upwards of $250,000 with possible prison time.
Bald eagles are also protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which covers birds that cross national borders. The law prohibits disturbance to active nests and bird gathering. Native Americans are the only ones allowed to use eagle feathers in cultural and religious ceremonies; however, this is done through a special permit system.
President Joe Biden reiterated in 2024 that the bald eagle was America's national bird. It was a reminder that this symbol of freedom still depends on strong protection and respect from the public.
Photo by Michaelh2001, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Fun and Surprising Facts About Bald Eagles
Bald Eagles Have Built-In “Goggles”
Bald eagles have a third eyelid, called a nictitating membrane. It slides across the eye like a clear windshield wiper to protect their vision. This feature protects them while they dive or are flying in strong winds or snow.
Image by Alexa from Pixabay
Bald Eagles Can See UV Light
Eagles can perceive ultraviolet light. This feature helps them detect urine trails left by prey such as rabbits or mice. They can do this even from hundreds of feet in the air, which improves hunting efficiency in open or snowy landscapes.
Their Beaks Never Stop Growing
Like fingernails, an eagle's beak is constantly growing. They sharpen it and keep it shaped properly by rubbing it on rocks or branches. This behavior is known as "feaking," which keeps their beak strong for tearing flesh and feeding chicks.
Their Talons Lock Automatically When Grabbing Prey
When an eagle grasps something, its talons automatically lock and cannot open until it lands. If the fish is too heavy, the eagle may be dragged underwater and drown.
Bald Eagles Sometimes Roost in Huge Winter Groups
Although they are solitary animals, bald eagles have been known to congregate during the winter months. They do this to share body heat. Such a gathering can have more than 100 eagles roosting on a single tree in Alaska and Maryland.
Image: Bald eagles roosting in a tree — U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (public domain)
Sunbathe and Shower for Cleaning
Eagles sunbathe, stretching out their wings to kill the parasites. They also stand in rainstorms to wash their feathers. This behavior helps keep their plumage clean and flexible, which is important for silent flight and better insulation.
Want to quickly check out these fascinating facts? This table makes it easy to grasp them all.
| Category | Fun Fact | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Vision and Protection | Built-In “Goggles” | A clear third eyelid protects their eyes during dives, wind, and snow. |
| UV Vision | They detect ultraviolet trails left by prey such as rabbits and rodents. | |
| Beak and Talons | Ever-Growing Beak | Their beak keeps growing and is sharpened through a behavior called “feaking.” |
| Automatic Talon Lock | Talons lock automatically when gripping and only release once the bird lands. | |
| Survival Behavior | Winter Roosting Groups | Hundreds may gather on one tree in winter to conserve heat. |
| Sunbathe and Shower | They sunbathe to kill parasites and stand in the rain to clean their feathers. |
Conclusion
The bald eagle was chosen to represent America for a reason. They are strong, independent, and able to survive in harsh environments. But what makes this bird truly inspiring is not only their strength, but also its comeback from the edge of extinction. There was a time when bald eagles almost disappeared because of pesticides, hunting, and habitat loss. They exist today because people chose to step up and protect them. They are more than impressive hunters. They are a real example of how conservation can work when it is taken seriously. Now that we understand how they live. How they hunt. How do they raise their young? The bald eagle becomes more than a picture on a flag; it is a success story.
Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels
FAQ About Bald Eagles
Do bald eagles migrate?
Migration patterns of bald eagles are influenced by food availability and weather. Northern populations sometimes travel hundreds of miles in winter, while some southern birds remain near their breeding grounds year-round. Juvenile eagles are more likely to wander widely before establishing a territory.
Why is it illegal to pick up a bald eagle feather?
Bald eagles are protected by federal laws, including the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. These laws make it illegal to possess, sell, or use eagle feathers without special permission. Native Americans can obtain permits for cultural or religious purposes.
Are bald eagles a danger to pets or humans?
They rarely attack humans. Usually, they avoid people. Although small pets under 5 pounds could be in danger if they are left near open water or fields, especially during hunting or nesting seasons. Observing eagles from a distance is the safest way to enjoy these birds.
How many bald eagles are in the U.S. today?
By 2021, there were more than 316,000 bald eagles in the United States, including over 70,000 breeding pairs. They are no longer federally endangered, thanks to successful conservation and legal protections.
What is the difference between a bald eagle and a golden eagle?
Bald eagles have white heads, prefer fish, and are fully brown. Golden eagles hunt mammals, such as rabbits, and are common in western states. Golden eagles are also slightly faster and more agile, while bald eagles are stronger around water.