A bald eagle preparing to take flight in Alaska
Photo: Andy Morffew · CC BY 2.0
Bird

Bald Eagle Facts

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

BirdNorth AmericaCarnivore

Bald eagles are large North American sea eagles usually found near lakes, rivers, and coasts. Adults develop their familiar white head and tail after several years.

Habitat
Freshwater
Diet
Fish, waterbirds, and small mammals
Lifespan
20–30 years

Bald Eagle Facts at a Glance

Bald eagles are large North American sea eagles usually found near lakes, rivers, and coasts. Adults develop their familiar white head and tail after several years.

It belongs to the family Accipitridae in the order Accipitriformes. This profile is designed as a concise starting point; the source names below document the review basis.

Bald Eagle Habitat

Bald Eagles live in Freshwater and Coastal and Forest habitats. Their recorded range includes North America. Suitable food, shelter, and conditions for raising young help shape that range.

What Do Bald Eagles Eat?

Bald Eagles have a carnivore diet that includes Fish, waterbirds, and small mammals. The food available in their environment shapes how they find, hunt, forage for, or receive meals.

Bald Eagle Lifespan, Size, and Weight

Bald Eagles typically live for 20–30 years. Adults measure about 70–102 cm and weigh around 3–6.3 kg; these ranges can vary with sex, age, environment, and access to food.

Bald Eagle Conservation Status

Bald Eagle is listed here as Least Concern. Protecting habitat, maintaining healthy prey or food sources, and reducing human pressure are important parts of conserving wild populations.

Quick facts

Region
North America
Habitat
Freshwater, Coastal, Forest
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
20–30 years
Size
70–102 cm
Weight
3–6.3 kg

Fun facts

  • Their nests can be reused and enlarged for many breeding seasons.
  • Bald eagles are strong swimmers when they land in water with prey.
  • Females are generally larger than males.
  • Young eagles remain mostly brown until adult plumage develops.

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Sources and image credit

Animal facts are reviewed against the references below. The photograph remains available under the stated license.