Bald Eagle ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus )
Bald Eagle - Bald Eagle information - Bald Eagle facts
The bald eagle is the national symbol of the United States of America. On average it is 96 cm (38 inches) tall while the female is larger than the male. It has got a white colored head and a white tail. The bill and iris are yellow. The plumage is brown with lighter edging on the wings and on the back. It has got knife-sharp claws that are able to catch prey at high speeds. Its sight is superb.
As it is the national symbol of the USA, the distribution is predominantly in the USA. Moreover the bald eagle can be found in Aleutian Islands, Alaska, in eastern parts of Canada and even in northern parts of Mexico. Haliaeetus leucocephalus may migrate more than 2 000 km (1 250 miles). It is more common to see him in the northern part of its distribution. Its nest is usually located in a tree, but sometimes it is situated on the ground. It is always close to the water. The females lay from one to three white colored eggs.
The diet depends on the period of the year. In winter it may be carrion because the hunting is rather difficult. The rest of the year its diet ranges from fish to birds as large as geese. When hunting eagles use sight, besides they are able to find their prey by its call as well.
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