Bald eagles

The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a large bird of prey easily recognised by its white head and tail, dark brown body and big yellow beak. Despite its name, its head is not bald; in older English "bald" also meant "white".

Where does it live?

It lives in North America, from Alaska and Canada to northern Mexico. It usually prefers wooded areas near large lakes, rivers and coasts, and needs big trees for nesting.

What does it eat?

Its main food is fish, which it snatches from the water's surface with its talons. It also eats waterbirds, small mammals and carrion. Sometimes it steals fish caught by other birds.

Behaviour and social life

Bald eagles usually stay with the same mate for many years. Pairs build huge nests and add to them every year. In winter, large numbers of eagles can gather near open water where fish are available.

Chicks

The female usually lays 1–3 eggs, and both parents incubate them and feed the chicks. Young eagles are dark brown; the white head and tail feathers appear with maturity.

Conservation status

The bald eagle is listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List. In the mid-20th century the pesticide DDT thinned eggshells and severely reduced breeding, bringing the species close to disappearing in many areas. After DDT was banned and the eagle was legally protected, populations recovered strongly.

Fun facts

• Bald eagle nests are among the largest known bird nests; some weigh more than a tonne.
• Its sharp eyes can spot fish from a great distance.
• The powerful "eagle scream" in films often belongs to another bird; the bald eagle's call is thinner and more twittering.