Bald eagles soar through North American skies as one of the most recognizable birds of prey on the planet. These majestic raptors symbolize strength and freedom, captivating birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. From their incredible hunting skills to their surprising behaviors, bald eagles are full of fascinating secrets waiting to be discovered.
The information presented here is for educational purposes and based on scientific observations and wildlife research. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance and follow local regulations.
1. They Aren’t Actually Bald
Despite their name, bald eagles sport a full head of stunning white feathers. The term “bald” comes from an old English word “balde,” which meant white, not hairless.
Young eagles don’t develop this signature white head until they’re about five years old. Before that, their heads are covered in dark brown feathers, making them look quite different from adults.
2. Their Nests Are Enormous
Bald eagles build the largest nests of any North American bird, and these structures can weigh over a ton. Some nests measure up to 13 feet deep and 8 feet wide!
Eagles return to the same nest year after year, adding new materials each breeding season. The record holder was a nest in Florida that weighed nearly three tons before it collapsed.
3. They Can Swim
When eagles catch fish too heavy to lift, they sometimes use their wings like oars to paddle to shore. This unusual behaviour surprises many people who assume eagles only fly.
Their feathers aren’t completely waterproof, so swimming takes considerable effort. Eagles prefer to avoid this situation, but survival instincts kick in when necessary to secure a meal.
4. Their Vision Is Superhuman
Bald eagles see four to seven times better than humans, allowing them to spot fish from hundreds of feet in the air. Their eyes take up nearly half the space in their skulls.
Eagles can also see ultraviolet light, which helps them track prey that humans can’t detect. Two focal points in each eye give them exceptional depth perception for hunting.
5. They Mate For Life
Once bald eagles find a partner, they typically stay together until one dies. These devoted pairs perform spectacular aerial courtship displays, locking talons and spiralling through the sky.
If one mate dies, the surviving eagle will usually find a new partner. Both parents share nest building, incubating eggs, and feeding their young equally throughout the breeding season.
6. They’re Speed Demons
During hunting dives, bald eagles can reach speeds of 100 miles per hour, making them incredibly fast predators. Their streamlined bodies and powerful wings create the perfect combination for rapid descent.
Normal flight speed is much slower, around 30 miles per hour. Eagles conserve energy by soaring on thermal air currents rather than constantly flapping their massive seven foot wingspan.
7. They’re Surprisingly Vocal
Hollywood often dubs over bald eagle calls with red tailed hawk screams because the real sound isn’t dramatic enough. Eagles actually produce weak, chirping whistles and chattering sounds.
Their high pitched calls seem almost comical compared to their fierce appearance. Eagles use different vocalizations to communicate warnings, attract mates, and interact with their chicks in the nest.
8. They Nearly Went Extinct
By the 1960s, only around 400 nesting pairs remained in the lower United States due to hunting, habitat loss, and DDT pesticide poisoning. This chemical caused eggshells to thin and break easily.
After DDT was banned in 1972 and protection laws strengthened, populations recovered dramatically. Today, over 300,000 bald eagles thrive across North America, showcasing successful conservation efforts.
9. They’re Expert Thieves
Bald eagles frequently steal food from other birds, especially ospreys, in a behaviour called kleptoparasitism. They harass the smaller birds until they drop their catch, which the eagle then grabs.
Benjamin Franklin famously criticized the bald eagle for this thieving behaviour, calling it a bird of “bad moral character.” Despite this, eagles remain skilled hunters who catch most meals themselves.
10. Their Talons Are Deadly Weapons
Each talon can exert up to 400 pounds of pressure per square inch, easily crushing prey or snapping bones. These razor sharp claws grow continuously throughout the eagle’s life, staying perpetually sharp.
Eagles have four toes on each foot with one facing backward for better grip. The rough surface on their feet helps them hold slippery fish securely during flight back to the nest.
11. They Live Surprisingly Long
Wild bald eagles typically live 20 to 30 years, though some captive eagles have reached over 50 years old. Their longevity depends on food availability, habitat quality, and avoiding human threats.
The oldest known wild bald eagle was at least 38 years old when researchers last spotted it in New York. Eagles face dangers including collisions, poisoning, and illegal shooting throughout their lives.
