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Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus ORDER: FALCONIFORMES FAMILY: ACCIPITRIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

The national emblem of the United States, the Bald Eagle was threatened with extinction in the lower 48 states because of DDT (a type of pesticide) poisoning. Protection under the Endangered Species Act, together with reintroduction programs, brought populations up, and the species was reclassified as Threatened in 1995. By 1999 some were suggesting that Bald Eagles could be removed from the endangered species list, and they were delisted in June 2007—a true conservation success story.

Appearance

Hawks

Typical Voice

Adult Description

Very large raptor.
Adults unmistakable with brown body and white head and tail.
Bill large and hooked.
Long broad wings held flat while soaring.

Immature Description

Immature variably patterned with dark brown and white; takes five years to acquire full adult plumage. White not restricted to well defined areas, but appearing scattered throughout body, usually with brown mottling in same area. White in wings primarily in linings and not flight feathers. Bill and cere blackish gray. Eyes dark brown. Feet and lower legs yellow.