Bald Eagle — Description

The Bald Eagle is an unforgettable animal. Its white head and tail, eight-foot wingspread, piercing eyes, massive hooked beak and powerful talons make it unmistakable among North American birds. Bald Eagles are most often seen soaring on their broad, flat wings, or else perched conspicuously, often in the upper branches of tall trees.

The Bald Eagle’s name is a misnomer, however, since the bird isn’t bald. The use of “bald” in its name is a shortening of the word “piebald,” which describes something that is spotted or patchy, referring to the eagle’s contrasting dark body and white head and tail. The only true bald birds in North America are wild turkeys, vultures and condors.         next page >>