Bald eagles have been synonymous with the United States since the 1780s. They are on the country’s Great Seal and appear on several government documents and institutions. They soar against our blue skies, dive into staple lakes and rivers, and nest in our national forests and refuges. For the past two centuries, they were only recognized as the national symbol and emblem but were not our official national bird.
The bison is the U.S. national mammal, the rose is the national flower and the oak tree is our national tree. But until recently there was no “official” national bird. President Biden rectified this issue on December 23, 2024 by signing into law a bipartisan bill designating the bald eagle as our national bird.
Soar with us through these eight bald eagle fun facts to learn about juvenile bald eagles, how big bald eagles are, what sound bald eagles make and more!
1. Bald eagles are the only eagle species unique to North America.
Bald eagles are only found in North America. They breed or winter throughout Canada and Alaska, the lower 48 states and northern Mexico. You are most likely to spot a bald eagle near a river or lake that has large trees nearby.
2. A bald eagle wingspan can reach over 8 feet!
Most bald eagles have wingspans between 6 and 7 feet, weigh up to 14 pounds and are just over 3 feet long. Like other birds of prey, females are typically larger than males. Bald eagles found in Alaska tend to be larger than those found elsewhere in the U.S. and the wingspan of female birds there may reach up to 8 feet.
3. Bald eagles mate for life.
Bald eagles are both solitary and monogamous, reuniting with the same partner annually to breed. In the occasional circumstance where one mate dies early, the surviving bird will often find another mate.
4. A bald eagle nest may weigh a ton and measure up to 13 feet high and 8 feet wide.
Bald eagles have the largest treetop nests of any animal in the world and can be found in tall trees near a body of water. These giant structures are the work of a bald eagle pair who work together to construct their nest using sticks and grass. The pair’s first nest, which they will enlarge in subsequent years when they return to it, is around 4 feet wide and 3-to-4-feet deep.
5. A juvenile bald eagle will go through an annual molt until it gets its white feathers around 5 years old.
Juvenile bald eagles will molt, or shed and regrow their feathers, every year until they reach adulthood. When eaglets leave the nest at 6 months old, they sport dark brown plumage and dark beaks. By the following year, they are lighter brown with more white flecks throughout their plumage. Juvenile bald eagles’ beaks transition from dark brown or black to yellow between 1 and 2 years old.
Around 3 ½ years old, immature bald eagles will start to acquire the recognizable plumage. The solid white head and tail feathers and solid brown body, however, don’t fully come in until the birds are 5 years old.
6. Bald eagles’ primary foods are fish and carrion.
Bald eagles are not picky eaters. They will eat carrion, steal fish from other birds or hunt for their own. They use their keen, full color “eagle-eyed” vision to find their prey. Bald eagles do not dive into the water to catch fish but instead will swoop down and grab fish swimming near the water’s surface. Bald eagles have also been known to eat ducks and small mammals.
7. A bald eagle sound is more high-pitched and squeakier than what you hear on TV.
The haunting, majestic call you may associate with our national bird is actually a red-tailed hawk call. Bald eagles, instead, make a high-pitched squeaking sound as their alarm call.
8. Bald eagles are no longer endangered but still need protection.
Bald eagles were once listed under the Endangered Species Act, but are now considered “recovered,” one of the nation’s greatest conservation successes. The primary threat to this bird of prey was the accumulated DDT pesticide in their prey, which interfered with reproduction by the thinning of the shells of their eggs. After copious conservation efforts, including banning the pesticide, the bald eagle population in the lower 48 states rose from 487 nesting pairs in 1963 to over 71,400 nesting pairs today.
Even though the bald eagle is no longer endangered or threatened, illegal shooting, vehicle collisions and lead poisoning are threats to this bird. We must continue to work to ensure it is adequately protected. Here are five ways you can help our national bird:
1. Go lead free! If you or someone you know hunts, seek out lead free, non-toxic ammunition.
2. Leave no trace when exploring the outdoors. Keep parks and waterways clean. Be sure to properly dispose of trash while hiking, camping and traversing through nature.
3. Do not disturb nesting eagles. Keep your distance from trees with nests. Be mindful of trail and waterway closures.
4. Use caution when driving. Watch for roadkill on or near the highway to protect you and your car, and to avoid additional collisions with eagles or other scavengers.
5. Support Defenders as we continue to work to save imperiled animals and the habitat they need to survive!
Author
Aimee Delach
Wildlife & Wild Places
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