Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle: The National Bird of the United States
The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a large bird of prey that lives in North America. It is the national bird and symbol of the United States of America. The bald eagle is not really bald; it has white feathers on its head and tail that contrast with its dark brown body. The bald eagle has a yellow beak, eyes, and feet, and a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters (8 feet).
The bald eagle is a sea eagle, which means it lives near water and eats fish. It can also hunt other animals, such as birds, rabbits, snakes, and turtles. Sometimes, it steals food from other birds, such as ospreys. The bald eagle is an opportunistic feeder, which means it will also eat dead animals or garbage.
The bald eagle builds the largest nest of any bird in North America. It uses sticks, grass, feathers, and other materials to make a platform on a tall tree or a cliff. The nest can be up to 4 meters (13 feet) deep and 2.5 meters (8 feet) wide, and can weigh more than 1 ton (2,200 pounds). The bald eagle usually lays two or three eggs, which hatch after about 35 days. Both parents take care of the eggs and the young eagles, called eaglets. The eaglets stay in the nest for about 10 to 12 weeks, until they learn to fly and hunt.
The bald eagle is a majestic and powerful bird that has a long history and cultural significance. It was chosen as the national emblem of the United States in 1782, because it represents freedom, strength, and courage. The bald eagle is also a sacred animal for many Native American tribes, who use its feathers and parts for ceremonies and rituals. The bald eagle is a symbol of conservation, as it was once endangered by hunting, poisoning, and habitat loss. Thanks to the efforts of many people and organizations, the bald eagle population has recovered and is now protected by law.
