Unveiling the Majesty of Bald Eagles: 8 Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know!

Bald eagles have represented the United States since the 1780s. They feature on the nation’s Great Seal and can be found on numerous government documents and institutions. They glide through our azure skies, plunge into essential lakes and rivers, and build nests in our national forests and wildlife refuges. For the last 200 years, they were acknowledged as the national symbol and representation, yet they were not our recognized national bird.  

The bison is regarded as the U.S. national mammal, the rose symbolizes the national flower, and the oak tree stands as our national tree. However, it wasn’t until recently that there was a “formal” national bird. On December 23, 2024, President Biden addressed this matter by signing a bipartisan bill that established the bald eagle as our national bird.

Fly with us through these eight fascinating facts about bald eagles to discover details on juvenile bald eagles, their size, the sounds they produce, and much more!

1. Bald eagles are the only eagle species exclusive to North America.

Bald eagles are exclusively located in North America. They breed or winter across Canada and Alaska, the continental 48 states, and northern Mexico. You are most likely to see a bald eagle near a river or lake bordered by large trees.

2. A bald eagle’s wingspan can exceed 8 feet!

The majority of bald eagles possess wingspans between 6 and 7 feet, can weigh as much as 14 pounds, and typically measure just over 3 feet long. Similar to other raptors, females are generally larger than males. Bald eagles in Alaska tend to be larger compared to those found in different regions of the U.S., with female birds there having wingspans that may reach up to 8 feet.

3. Bald eagles are monogamous for life.

Bald eagles tend to be both solitary and faithful, returning to the same mate each year for breeding. In rare cases where one partner passes away prematurely, the surviving eagle will often seek out another companion.  

4. A bald eagle’s nest can weigh a ton and measure as tall as 13 feet and 8 feet wide.

Bald eagles build the most sizable treetop nests of any animal worldwide, typically positioned in tall trees close to water bodies. These immense structures result from both eagles collaborating to create their nest with sticks and grasses. The initial nest is about 4 feet in width and 3 to 4 feet deep, which they will expand in upcoming years upon returning.

5. A juvenile bald eagle undergoes an annual molt until it attains its white feathers around 5 years of age.

Young bald eagles will molt, or shed and regenerate their feathers, every year until they become mature. When eaglets leave the nest at 6 months old, they exhibit dark brown plumage and dark beaks. By the next year, they develop into lighter brown with more white speckles throughout their feathers. The beaks of juvenile bald eagles transition from dark brown or black to yellow between the ages of 1 and 2.

At approximately 3 ½ years, juvenile bald eagles begin to develop the distinctive feathers. However, the complete white head and tail feathers along with the solid brown body do not fully manifest until they reach 5 years of age.

6. Fish and carrion constitute the main diet of bald eagles.

Bald eagles are not fussy eaters. They consume carrion, pilfer fish from other avians, or catch their own meals. Their acute, colorful “eagle-eyed” vision assists them in spotting their prey. Instead of diving into the water to catch fish, bald eagles will swoop down and seize fish that are swimming close to the surface. Additionally, these birds of prey have been noted to consume ducks and small mammals.

7. The call of a bald eagle is more high-pitched and squeakier than what is portrayed on television.

The haunting, majestic voice commonly linked with our national bird is, in fact, a call of a red-tailed hawk. Bald eagles produce a high-pitched squeaky noise as their warning call.  

8. Bald eagles are no longer classified as endangered but still require safeguarding.

Once listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, bald eagles are now seen as “recovered,” marking one of the country’s top conservation triumphs. The primary danger to these birds of prey was the build-up of DDT pesticide in their food sources, which harmed reproduction by weakening eggshells. Following substantial conservation initiatives, including prohibiting the pesticide, the bald eagle population in the lower 48 states increased from 487 nesting pairs in 1963 to over 71,400 nesting pairs now.

Although the bald eagle is no longer classified as endangered or threatened, illegal shootings, automobile accidents, and lead poisoning continue to pose risks to this bird. We must persist in our efforts to guarantee it is adequately safeguarded. Here are five ways to assist our national bird:

1. Choose lead-free options! If you or someone you know participates in hunting, opt for lead-free, non-toxic ammunition.  

2. Leave no trace while enjoying the outdoors. Maintain cleanliness in parks and waterways. Ensure that trash is disposed of properly while hiking, camping, and moving through nature.

3. Do not interfere with nesting eagles. Maintain a respectful distance from trees that house nests. Be attentive to trail and waterway closures.

4. Exercise caution when driving. Be on the lookout for roadkill on or near highways to safeguard yourself and your vehicle, while also preventing additional collisions with eagles or other scavengers.

5. Support Defenders as we persist in our mission to protect vulnerable creatures and the habitats essential for their survival!