Bald Eagles

Basic Information

The Bald Eagle’s scientific name is Haliaeetus leucocephalus, which means “white-headed sea eagle” in Latin!

Bald Eagles belong to the family Accipitridae, which includes other powerful birds of prey like hawks and Old World vultures!

When Bald Eagles gather together in groups, they’re called a “convocation” or sometimes an “aerie” of eagles!

Despite their name, Bald Eagles aren’t actually bald – they have white feathers covering their entire head!

Both male and female Bald Eagles are referred to as “eagle” or male and female, while a baby is called an eaglet!

Adult Bald Eagles can weigh between 6.5 and 14 pounds (3 and 6.35 kilograms), which is about as heavy as 5 to 10 basketballs!

Bald Eagles can live up to 20–30 years in the wild, but some have lived over 40 years in captivity!

Bald Eagles can be found throughout North America, from Alaska to Florida!

The average wingspan of a Bald Eagle is 6 to 7.5 feet (1.8 to 2.3 meters) wide – that’s longer than most adults are tall!

Female Bald Eagles are usually about 25% larger than males, which helps them protect their nest better!

A standing Bald Eagle is about 3 feet (0.91 meters) tall – the same height as a young child!

The powerful wings of a Bald Eagle can lift it to heights of up to 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) in the air!

As Bald Eagles mature, their beaks, eyes, and feet change color.

Bald Eagles belong to the genus Haliaeetus, which includes eight species of sea eagles worldwide!

Bald Eagles are one of the largest birds of prey in North America!

Physical Characteristics

A Bald Eagle’s eyesight is so sharp, they can spot a rabbit from 2 miles (3.22 kilometers) away!

Bald Eagles have about 7,000 feathers, and each one serves a specific purpose!

A Bald Eagle’s talons can exert 1,000 pounds of pressure per square inch – that’s stronger than a human hand can squeeze!

A Bald Eagle’s beak grows continuously throughout its life, just like our fingernails!

Bald Eagles do not develop their special white head and tail feathers until they are about 4 to 5 years old.

A Bald Eagle’s bones are hollow, making them light enough to fly despite their large size!

In Bald Eagles, the leg bones are shorter than the toe bones, which helps them grab prey more effectively!

Bald Eagles have three eyelids – one is transparent and helps protect their eyes while flying!

A Bald Eagle’s beak can grow up to 3 inches (8 centimeters) long – about the length of your thumb!

A Bald Eagle’s heart beats between 60 and 120 times per minute when they’re resting!

Bald Eagles have special oil-producing glands that help keep their feathers waterproof!

A Bald Eagle’s talons can grow up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) long – as long as your pinky finger!

Bald Eagles can turn their heads 180 degrees to look behind them!

Bald Eagles’ feathers weigh more than their bones!

Bald Eagle eyes are almost the same size as human eyes, but they can see much better!

A Bald Eagle’s skeleton weighs only about half a pound – lighter than a basketball!

Behavior & Intelligence

Bald Eagles often watch other birds catch fish, then swoop in to steal their catch – a behavior called kleptoparasitism!

Bald Eagles perform spectacular courtship displays, locking talons and spinning through the air together!

Bald Eagles fly around 31 miles per hour (50 km/h) during normal flight, and can reach over 75 miles per hour (121 km/h) when diving to catch prey.

Bald Eagles communicate using at least six different types of calls, each with a specific meaning!

Bald Eagles are excellent architects, building some of the largest nests of any bird in North America!

Bald Eagles often return to the same nest year after year, adding new materials each time!

Young eagles learn to fly by hopping around their nest and flapping their wings for up to six weeks before their first flight!

Bald Eagles spend about half their day perched in trees, watching for prey and conserving energy!

Bald Eagles are early risers, beginning their daily activities right at sunrise!

Bald Eagles can glide without flapping their wings for more than an hour!

Bald Eagles clean their beaks by rubbing them on branches after eating.

Bald Eagles take “baths” by diving into water and shaking off in flight!

Bald Eagles can sleep while perched by locking their feet onto branches!

Bald Eagle’s nests, called aeries, can weigh up to 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms) – as heavy as a small car!

The largest Bald Eagle nest ever found was 9.5 feet (3 meters) wide and 20 feet (6 meters) deep – taller than a two-story house!

Bald Eagles can swim using their powerful wings as paddles when they catch fish too heavy to lift!

Bald Eagles have special bumps on their feet called spicules that help them hold onto slippery fish!

Bald Eagles often perch in dead trees because they provide clear views of their surroundings!

Bald Eagles can survive in temperatures from -20°F to over 100°F by adjusting their feathers!