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Bald Eagle

Silhouette EaglesEagles
Bald EagleHaliaeetus leucocephalus
  • ORDER: Accipitriformes
  • FAMILY: Accipitridae

Basic Description

The Bald Eagle has been the national emblem of the United States since 1782 and a spiritual symbol for native people for far longer than that. These regal birds aren’t really bald, but their white-feathered heads gleam in contrast to their chocolate-brown body and wings. Look for them soaring in solitude, chasing other birds for their food, or gathering by the hundreds in winter. Once endangered by hunting and pesticides, Bald Eagles have flourished under protection.

More ID Info
image of range map for Bald Eagle
Year-roundBreedingMigrationNonbreeding
Range map provided by Birds of the World
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Find This Bird

To find Bald Eagles, head for water, where the birds are likely to be looking for fish. Nationwide, Bald Eagles are most widespread during winter, where they can be found along coasts, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs in many states. They winter in large numbers at some lakes and national wildlife refuges.

Other Names

  • Pigargo Americano (Spanish)
  • Pygargue à tête blanche (French)
  • Cool Facts