In 1782 the bald eagle was chosen to represent the United States and has remained its national bird ever since. There were no bald eagles in Europe, as the bald eagle is found only in North America. Because the bald eagle is found only in North America, the European settlers had never seen one. The bald eagle has the scientific name Haliaetus leucocephalus, meaning 'sea eagle with a white head' in Latin and Greek, and the birds are still known as sea eagles.

North America is the home of only one variety of 'sea eagle'- the bald eagle. The bald eagle is immediately obvious by its smooth, white head and white tail, contrasted by the deep brown feathers of its body. Many items, such as U.S. coins, flags, seals, and even buildings, have used the bald eagle's image as a symbol of the nation.

Bald eagles are fierce and powerful birds of prey as are all raptors, which include the hawks, falcons, eagles, vultures, and owls. The bald eagle eats mainly waterfowl, such as geese and ducks, and fish, but also may indulge in small birds, rodents, snakes, rabbits, and even carrion when live prey is not available Few animals dare stand in the way of the bald eagle, who can reach an adult size of 16 pounds, with wingspans of 7.5 feet and lengths of 32 inches. Alaska is home to the larger eagles, while the smaller ones make their homes in Florida. Wherever they are, when animals see the bald eagle descending, they know to scatter.

An area 2 to 15 miles square is the area needed for a pair of bald eagles to hunt in. The fiercely guarded nest of the bald eagle is often the home for a pair of eagles. Bald eagles living along the Indian River lagoon located on the Central Florida coast have been known to go after Ospreys who have themselves caught a meal. The eagle, unfussy about its meal, will eat the second hand catch when the Osprey drops it to get away from the pursuing eagle.

Bald eagles have a strong loyalty for their families, though they are actually birds of prey. Though most birds are not known for their monogamy, these birds mate for life. Most birds live only a few years, but the bald eagle in the wild can live to be as old as 25. The bald eagle can be found in many areas of North America, from Alaska, to Mexico, and all over the continental United States and Canada.

Even though these great travelers fly long distances to summer in the cooler weather of the northern United States and Canada, when it comes time to mate, they generally retrace their paths and nest within just a hundred or two miles from where they were hatched. In the spring, one to three eggs can be laid by the breeding bald eagle, which then hatch after about 35 days. The baby eagles live in the nest during the first three months, and then learn to fly for a month before leaving and beginning their own lives. Despite the ever-present dangers that exist to young eagles, including disease, chemicals, harsh weather, and food shortages, almost 70% of baby eagles adapt and live past their first year.

Were you aware that the United States Congress attempted to save the species by passing the Bald Eagle Protection Act in 1940? When this law passed, it became illegal to bother or disturb the birds. It also became illegal to take the birds, their nests, or their eggs for any purpose, such as selling, trading, owning, or exporting them. Taking the bald eagle includes killing or wounding the birds, as well as shooting at them, capturing them, or disturbing them.

The overuse of pesticides commercially and residentially, as well as the use of DDT and other harmful chemicals, led to the steep decline of bald eagles. New laws and reintroduction programs for the bald eagle have given the birds a chance to survive. The bald eagle was so near to extinction that many thought it impossible to save the species.

In 1973, Congress passed the Endangered Species Act, enabling low and very low population animals to have a legal classification of threatened or endangered. Bald eagles stayed on most states' endangered species lists until the 1990s, when the species began to dramatically increase in numbers.

The bald eagle was reclassified by Congress as threatened on August 11, 1995, after its numbers grew from 500 pairs in 1963 to 5,000 pairs in 1994. The bald eagle will soon by removed from the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, due to the increasing population of these birds.

To watch these birds is to witness their power and beauty. The bald eagle takes off with strides that are powerful and purposeful. The eagle soars as if in slow motion. The eagle stays fixed on its path, the prize kept firmly in sight. The efforts made to revive the species have been successful, leaving a majestic presence in the skies. Make the time to see these wonderful animals for yourself.

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