National Symbol: The bald eagle has been the national bird and symbol of the United States since 1782, representing freedom, strength, and independence.
Distinctive Appearance: Bald eagles are not actually bald. Their name derives from an old English word, "balde," meaning white, referring to their striking white head and tail feathers which contrast with their dark brown body and wings.
Impressive Wingspan: Bald eagles have a wingspan ranging from 6 to 7.5 feet, making them one of the largest birds of prey in North America.
Sharp Vision: Their eyesight is among the sharpest in the animal kingdom, estimated to be four to seven times better than that of humans. They can spot prey from as far as two miles away.
Diet and Hunting: While fish make up the bulk of their diet, bald eagles are opportunistic feeders and will also hunt small mammals, birds, and even scavenge carrion.
Large Nests: Bald eagle nests, called eyries, are some of the largest of any bird species. They can be up to 13 feet deep, 8 feet wide, and weigh as much as a ton.
Environmental Indicators: As top predators, bald eagles are important indicators of the health of their environment. Their recovery and thriving populations often signal a healthy ecosystem.