The
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
The
bald eagle is a sea or fish eagle.
The
"southern" bald eagle is found in the Gulf States from Texas and Baja
California across to South Carolina and Florida. The "northern" bald eagle
is found in the Northwest, especially in Alaska. The "northern" bald eagle
is slightly larger than the "southern" bald eagle.
Color - The adults have a blackish-brown back and breast; a
white head, neck, and tail; and yellow feet and bill.
Juvenile bald eagles are a mixture of brown and white; with a black bill in
young birds. There are no other large black birds in North America with white
heads and tails.
Size - The female bald eagle is 87 to 92 cm, slightly larger
than the male. With a wingspan which varies from 200 to 225 cm.
The male bald eagle has a body length from 75 to 85 cm. The wingspan ranges from
180 to 212 cm.
Life expectancy - Wild bald eagles may live as long as thirty
years, but the average lifespan is probably about fifteen to twenty years
Eagles sit at the top of the food chain, making them more
vulnerable to toxic chemicals in the environment.
A bald eagle's skin is protected by feathers lined with down. The feet are cold resistance because they are mostly tendon.
Once
paired, bald eagles remain together until one dies; the survivor will not
hesitate to accept a new mate.
Several eagles soaring together are described as a "kettle of eagles".
Beak - The hook at the tip is used for tearing. A bald eagle's
beak is a strong weapon, but is also delicate enough to groom a mate's feathers
or feed a small portion of food to a newly hatched chick.
The beak and talons grow continuously, because they are made of keratin, the
same substance as our hair and fingernails.
