American Bald Eagle

Description:

The only eagle unique to North America. The bald eagle's scientific name signifies a sea (halo) eagle (aeetos) with a white (leukos) head. At one time, the word "bald" meant "white," not hairless. Bald eagles are found throughout most of North America, from Alaska and Canada to northern Mexico. About half of the world's 70,000 bald eagles live in Alaska. Combined with British Columbia's population of about 20,000, the northwest coast of North America is by far their greatest stronghold for bald eagles. They flourish here in part because of the salmon. Dead or dying fish are an important food source for all bald eagles.

Habitat:

Bald eagles live along the coast and on major lakes and rivers where they feed mainly on fish. Once paired, bald eagles remain together for life. Although, if one dies, the survivor will not hesitate to accept a new mate.

Notes:

An eagle's eye is almost as large as a human's, but its sharpness is at least four times that of a person with perfect vision. It's possible for bald eagles in the wild to live longer than thirty years, but the average lifespan is fifteen to twenty years. A captive eagle at West Stephentown, NY lived to be at least 48 years old.