Bald eagles are not really bald! They are called "bald" because this is the Native American word for "white," and the adult eagle's head is covered with white feathers.

The Bald Eagle is one of the largest eagles known. It is our national symbol, chosen because of its representation of freedom, bravery, and power; but not everyone wanted the eagle! Did you know Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey instead?

Are Bald Eagles Endangered?
The bald eagle is protected by law, and until recently it was considered an endangered species. It has now been upgraded to "threatened." Once abundant everywhere in North America, the eagle's population was severely depleted in the latter half of the 20th century due to being killed by farmers and fishermen out of concern for their livestock, being captured for use in falconry, and being susceptible to the effects of DDT, a pesticide which weakens the shells of birds' eggs.

Facts About Bald Eagles
An adult bald eagle can weigh 15 pounds, and his wingspan may reach 8 feet across! Because of their size, eagles build huge nests in comparison with most other birds. These nests can be 8 feet across and up to 12 feet high! You can see -- and stand inside -- a reconstruction of an average eagle's nest here at the Zoo.

Like many birds, eagles usually mate for life. Unlike some other birds, however, the eagle will readily accept a new mate after losing a previous mate to death. Eggs incubate for usually about forty days, and the duty of sitting on them is shared by both the male and female.

Bald eagles are classified as a kind of "fish eagle," meaning that they prefer to catch and eat fish. They most often fish by simply gliding above the water and plucking an unsuspecting fish from beneath the water's surface with their powerful talons. Despite this, however, eagles in the wild are often "opportunistic" -- if no fish are readily available, they may eat rabbits, rodents, or even carrion (animals that are already dead). They may steal food from other predators, or even from other eagles. They can also store food inside what is called a "crop," a sort of pouch in the esophagus.