Many people don't know that the bald eagle has been the symbol of the United States and the nation's national bird since 1782. Because the Sea Eagle was so common in Europe at the time, settlers in the 18th century gave the bald eagle its name, thinking it was the same bird. They had never seen a bald eagle in Europe because the American bald Eagle is unique to North America. The bald eagle is still referred to as a sea eagle, and the scientific name of the bird is Haliaetus leucocephalus, which in Greek and Latin means 'sea eagle with a white head.'

Of the 'sea eagle' species, the bald eagle is the only one that is native to North America. The bald eagle is immediately obvious by its smooth, white head and white tail, contrasted by the deep brown feathers of its body. Buildings and official seals have been emblazoned with the image of the bald eagle, as well as many U.S. coins and flags.

Bald eagles are one type of raptor- other birds of prey in this category include owls, vultures, falcons, hawks, and other eagles. The bald eagle eats mainly waterfowl, such as geese and ducks, and fish, but also may indulge in small birds, rodents, snakes, rabbits, and even carrion when live prey is not available
The adult bald eagle has few natural enemies, especially considering their size of up to 16 pounds, wingspans of 7 feet, and a length of up to 32 inches.
Alaska is home to the larger eagles, while the smaller ones make their homes in Florida. Wherever they are, when animals see the bald eagle descending, they know to scatter.

Each hunting pair of bald eagles requires an area of 2 to 15 square miles in which to hunt. Each pair of bald eagles shares a nest, furiously guarding it from predators. On the eastern cost of Central Florida, the bald eagle may chase an Osprey along the Indian River lagoon in order to steal its catch. The eagle, unfussy about its meal, will eat the second hand catch when the Osprey drops it to get away from the pursuing eagle.

Bald eagles are social animals, staying loyal to family even as they remain fierce birds of prey. Bald eagles keep the same mate for life, unlike most species of bird. Compared to the much shorter life spans of other birds, the bald eagle has a span of as many as 25 years. The bald eagle can be found in many areas of North America, from Alaska, to Mexico, and all over the continental United States and Canada.

Bald eagles travel far each year in search of cooler weather in the hot summer months, then go back to the area where they hatched, usually mating within a few hundred miles of the area. Breeding bald eagles lay one to three eggs in the spring, which hatch about 35 days later. After three months in the nest, the baby bald eagles begin to fly, and a month later fly away from their mother for good. Almost 70% of young eagles will survive their first year of life, adapting to their environment despite the dangers of food shortages, bad weather, illnesses and toxic chemicals.

Were you aware that the United States Congress attempted to save the species by passing the Bald Eagle Protection Act in 1940? This law made it illegal for people to disturb or bother the birds. This also included taking bald eagles for reasons such as selling, trading, or transporting them, and also included their eggs and nests. Taking the bald eagle includes killing or wounding the birds, as well as shooting at them, capturing them, or disturbing them.

The overuse of pesticides commercially and residentially, as well as the use of DDT and other harmful chemicals, led to the steep decline of bald eagles. The bald eagle was given a chance to return in numbers thanks to new laws and many reintroduction programs, both federally and privately funded. When the law was enacted, it was thought that the species could not be saved from extinction.

For species with small populations, and those with very few animals left, the Endangered Species Act of 1973 allowed the legal classifications of endangered or threatened. Bald eagles stayed on most states' endangered species lists until the 1990s, when the species began to dramatically increase in numbers.

The bald eagle has dramatically increased in numbers between 1963 and 1994, rising from about 500 pairs to almost 5,000 pairs and leading Congress to reclassify its status as threatened. With the increasing population of the bald eagle, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service will soon take the bird off the endangered species list.

To watch these birds is to witness their power and beauty. The bald eagle takes long strides, each deliberate and powerful as it launches into its slow-motion soaring flight. The prize remains in its sight as it keeps steady on its path. The efforts made to revive the species have been successful, leaving a majestic presence in the skies. These beautiful animals should certainly be seen in person.

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Ryan Richardo writes about the bald eagle and bald eagle statues for OodlesOnBaldEagles.com.