What Everyone Needs to Know About Bald Eagles

Did you know that the bald eagle has symbolized America, as well as being its national bird, since 1782 European settlers in America, used to the sight of the Sea Eagle in Europe, named the bald eagle, believing the two birds were the same. They had never seen a bald eagle in Europe because the American bald Eagle is unique to North America. The bald eagle has the scientific name Haliaetus leucocephalus, meaning 'sea eagle with a white head' in Latin and Greek, and the birds are still known as sea eagles.

The bald eagle remains the only North American 'sea eagle.' The bald eagle has a striking appearance, with its dark brown feathers set off by the stark white feathers of its tail and head. Coins, flags, buildings, and seals in the United States have used the image of the bald eagle to symbolize the country.

Bald eagles are fierce and powerful birds of prey as are all raptors, which include the hawks, falcons, eagles, vultures, and owls. The bald eagle eats mainly waterfowl, such as geese and ducks, and fish, but also may indulge in small birds, rodents, snakes, rabbits, and even carrion when live prey is not available
The enormous adult bald eagle, with wingspans up to 7.5 feet, weighing up to 16 pounds, and with a length of up to 32 pounds, is a worthy adversary for any animal.
In Alaska, the largest eagles can be found, while the smaller varieties live in Florida. The bald eagle is known to other animals as a fierce predator in whatever region it is found.

The area required for a pair of bald eagles to hunt in is large- anywhere from 2 to 15 square miles. The fiercely guarded nest of the bald eagle is often the home for a pair of eagles. Bald eagles living along the Indian River lagoon located on the Central Florida coast have been known to go after Ospreys who have themselves caught a meal. The eagle will then get to eat the Osprey's catch, as the Osprey drops its squirming prey to escape the eagle.

These birds of prey leave the aggression to hunting and are fiercely loyal to their families. Bald eagles keep the same mate for life, unlike most species of bird. The bald eagle in the wild can live to be 25 years old, though most birds do not live to be this age. They live across North America, from the north, including Canada and Alaska, across the middle expanses of the U.S., and south into the northern part of Mexico.

Though leaving the place they were hatched and flying long distances in search of ideal cool summer weather, the bald eagle usually returns to the area when it comes time to mate. When spring arrives, bald eagles of breeding age can lay between one and three eggs, which hatch in around 35 days. The baby eagles live in the nest during the first three months, and then learn to fly for a month before leaving and beginning their own lives. The dangers of hunger, disease, harsh weather, and toxic chemicals can all make life hard for baby eagles, but almost 70% manage to adapt and survive for at least a year.

Were you aware that the United States Congress attempted to save the species by passing the Bald Eagle Protection Act in 1940 When this law passed, it became illegal to bother or disturb the birds. It also became illegal to take the birds, their nests, or their eggs for any purpose, such as selling, trading, owning, or exporting them. Taking the bald eagle includes killing or wounding the birds, as well as shooting at them, capturing them, or disturbing them.

The bald eagle began to die off due to pesticide overuse and DDT and other toxic chemicals. The bald eagle was given a chance to be saved by the many reintroduction programs and new laws that were enacted to help them. When the law was enacted, it was thought that the species could not be saved from extinction.

In 1973, Congress passed the Endangered Species Act, enabling low and very low population animals to have a legal classification of threatened or endangered. Bald eagles stayed on most states' endangered species lists until the 1990s, when the species began to dramatically increase in numbers.

The 500 pairs of bald eagles that existed in 1963 rose 10 fold to almost 5,000 pairs in 1994, resulting in Congress declaring the species threatened, not endangered, on August 11, 1995. As the number of bald eagles increase, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has plans to remove the bird from the endangered species list altogether.

Watching these magnificent birds is a pleasure. The long strides of the bald eagle as it launches leads into the soaring, slow motion movement of the bird in flight. The eagle remains determined, keeping a fixed eye on its prize. The number of majestic bald eagles is steadily increasing all over North America. Take any opportunity to see these magnificent animals.