The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States and one of its greatest conservation success stories. Here are some fascinating facts.
Appearance and identity
Despite its name, the bald eagle is not bald; the word comes from an old term meaning white-headed. Adults have a striking white head and tail against a dark brown body, but they only develop this look at around four or five years old. Young birds are mostly mottled brown. With a wingspan that can reach around 7 feet, it is one of North America's largest birds of prey. It became the national emblem of the United States in 1782.
Nests, diet and comeback
Bald eagles build some of the largest nests of any bird, reused and added to over years until they can weigh a ton. They feed mainly on fish but also take waterfowl and carrion, as covered in what eagles eat. By the mid-1900s the species had declined sharply due to hunting and the pesticide DDT. After protection and a DDT ban, the bald eagle recovered strongly and is now a familiar sight again across much of North America.