FWS, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Bald Eagle
Feb 11, 2008
The term bald eagle comes from the word “balde,” which in Old English means “white.” This species is known for its white head and tail and its dark brown body.
Design
The eyesight of the bald eagle is 6 to 8 times better than a human’s. This excellent vision allows it to sight its prey while high in the air. The talons of the eagle are used to grasp its prey while in flight. An eagle in flight uses the air currents to give it momentum and lift. How does it know how to do this, except its kind was designed with this knowledge at its creation.
Features
- The term bald eagle comes from the word “balde,” which in Old English means “white.” This species is known for its white head and tail and its dark brown body.
Fun Facts
- The bald eagle became the national bird of the United States in 1782.
- The head of a young bald eagle is actually brown until the eagle matures, which takes 4–5 years.
- A bald eagle’s nest can weigh up to 2 tons (2,030 kg)! Pairs of this species often return to the same next year after year and add material to it.
Created Kind Members
Osprey, sea eagle, Madagascar fish eagle
CLASS: Aves (birds)
ORDER: Falconiformes (diurnal birds of prey)
FAMILY: Accipitridae (hawks, eagles, Old World vultures)
GENUS/SPECIES: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Size: Wingspan up to 8 ft (2.3 m)
Weight: Female: 10–14 lbs (4.5–6.3 kg), Male: 8–10 lbs (3.6–4.5 kg)
Original Diet: Plants
Present Diet: Fish, small mammals, and aquatic birds
Habitat: Alaska, Canada, and the continental United States, on sea coasts or near rivers and lakes
