Did you know that the bald eagle has symbolized America, as well as being its national bird, since 1782? Sea Eagles, so common in 18th century Europe, were a common sight to America's early settlers, and it is from mistaking the two birds that the bald eagle got its name. Because the bald eagle is found only in North America, the European settlers had never seen one. The bald eagle is still referred to as a sea eagle, and the scientific name of the bird is Haliaetus leucocephalus, which in Greek and Latin means 'sea eagle with a white head.'

The bald eagle remains the only North American 'sea eagle.' The bald eagle is immediately obvious by its smooth, white head and white tail, contrasted by the deep brown feathers of its body. 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. Bald eagles live mainly on a diet of waterfowl and fish, but may also eat animals such as snakes, rodents, birds, and rabbits, and when these live specimens are not available they may also eat carrion. The adult bald eagle has few natural enemies, especially considering their size of up to 16 pounds, wingspans of 7 feet, and a length of up to 32 inches. The largest eagles live in Alaska, and the smaller eagles can be found in Florida. The bald eagle is known to other animals as a fierce predator in whatever region it is found.

Each hunting pair of bald eagles requires an area of 2 to 15 square miles in which to hunt. Bald eagle pairs live in a shared nest, keeping it closely guarded from harm. The bald eagle sometimes chases animals that have made a catch of their own, such as the east Central Florida bald eagles that chase Ospreys along the Indian River lagoon. The Osprey usually drops its hard-won catch in order to escape the powerful eagle, and the eagle, not at all fussy about its meals, will then eat it.

These powerful birds of prey retain a strong instinct toward family loyalty. Bald eagles keep the same mate for life, unlike most species of bird. Though most birds live a much shorter time, the bald eagle can live for as many as 25 years. The bald eagle can be found in many areas of North America, from Alaska, to Mexico, and all over the continental United States and Canada.

Bald eagles travel far each year in search of cooler weather in the hot summer months, then go back to the area where they hatched, usually mating within a few hundred miles of the area. In the springtime, the bald eagle can lay one to three eggs, each hatching in about 35 days. After three months in the nest, the baby bald eagles begin to fly, and a month later fly away from their mother for good. The bald eagle, despite the dangers of disease, hunger, bad weather, and toxic chemicals, still adapt to their environments and live into their second year 70% of the time.

Did you know that the U.S. Congress tried to help the species by passing the Bald Eagle Protection Act in 1940? The Act protected bald eagles by making it illegal for anyone to bother or disturb these birds. It also protected them by making it illegal to take the birds or their nests or eggs, in order to buy, sell, trade, own, import or export them. Taking the bald eagle includes killing or wounding the birds, as well as shooting at them, capturing them, or disturbing them.

Toxic chemicals in the environment, including DDT and commercial and residential pesticides, led to a mass die-off of the bald eagle. New laws and reintroduction programs for the bald eagle have given the birds a chance to survive. It was believes at the time that the species might have no road back from extinction.

For species with small populations, and those with very few animals left, the Endangered Species Act of 1973 allowed the legal classifications of endangered or threatened. Bald eagles stayed on most states' endangered species lists until the 1990s, when the species began to dramatically increase in numbers.

The bald eagle has dramatically increased in numbers between 1963 and 1994, rising from about 500 pairs to almost 5,000 pairs and leading Congress to reclassify its status as threatened. Because the number of bald eagles has increased, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has made pans for removing the bird from the list of endangered species.

To observe the bald eagle is a pleasurable experience. The bald eagle takes off with strides that are powerful and purposeful. The eagle soars as if in slow motion. The eagle remains determined, keeping a fixed eye on its prize. From one end of the continent to the other, the majestic presence of the bald eagle is increasing. Take any opportunity to see these magnificent animals.

About the Author

Ryan Richardo writes about american bald eagles and bald eagle facts for OodlesOnBaldEagles.com.