Wild Windows · Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
A large sea eagle native to North America and the national bird of the United States. Once nearly wiped out by DDT-induced eggshell thinning in the mid-20th century, the bald eagle has staged a dramatic recovery and is now Least Concern.
Natural History
Habitat
Forested areas near large bodies of water — coasts, rivers, and lakes — across most of North America.
Diet
Primarily fish, supplemented by waterfowl, small mammals, and carrion.
Lifespan
About 20 years in the wild; over 30 in human care.
Behavior
Forms long-term pair bonds. Builds the largest nests of any North American bird — sometimes 4 meters deep — adding to them year after year.
Classroom Facts
- A bald eagle's eyesight is roughly four times sharper than a person with perfect vision.
- The "bald" in bald eagle comes from an older meaning of "white" — they are not bald.
- Adult plumage with the white head doesn't appear until age 4 or 5.
Live Cameras
34 bald eagle cameras in the catalog.
Each listing shows its current source, permission, and playback-verification state.
