Did you know eagles can dive up to 100 miles per hour? Discover even more fascinating bald eagle facts about the USA's honored bird.
8 Fun and Fascinating Bald Eagle Facts
Updated on Dec. 17, 2024
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Bald Eagles Build Huge Nests
Large birds like eagles need large nests! Bald eagle nests are about 5 to 6 feet in diameter and 2 to 4 feet tall. If the tree is strong enough, they will use the same nest again and again, adding new materials each year, so some nests can be enormous.
Take a look at stunning and inspiring photos of bald eagles.
Eagles Are No Longer Endangered
During the 1970s, bald eagles were seriously endangered. They’ve since made a remarkable comeback and in 2007, were removed from the Federal Endangered Species list.
Learn the story behind the rescue of a special bald eagle.
The Bald Eagle Is the National Emblem
The bald eagle has been the national emblem of the United States since 1782. It was chosen for its majestic appearance and representation of freedom and strength. A bipartisan bill to officially make the bald eagle the National Bird is on track to be signed into law by President Joe Biden after passing through Congress. The bill had support from the National Eagle Center.
Eagle Eyes Are Powerful
When it comes to sight, eagles have two centers of focus. This gives them the ability to see forward and to the side simultaneously.
Meet the types of hawks you should know.
Bald Eagle Top Speed
While on the hunt for prey, eagles can dive up to 100 miles per hour. But in regular flight, they can travel about 30 miles per hour. Check out their expansive wings and their ability to soar.
What Do Bald Eagles Eat?
These birds of prey are hunters and scavengers, feeding on fish, small animals and carrion.
Discover the fastest birds in North America.
Bald Eagle Live Nest Cams
Eagle nest cams are extremely popular, with thousands of people tuning in daily. One of our favorites is in Hanover, Pennsylvania: Check it out!
Male Vs. Female Bald Eagles
“While out on a hike, I saw this beautiful bald eagle perched on a broken tree. Is it male or female, and how can you tell the difference?” asks Birds & Blooms reader Teri Quintal.
Birding experts Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman say, “Bald eagles show a lot of variation in color pattern, but it’s all related to age. Juveniles are dark brown all over at first, and they go through various stages, with different mixes of brown and white, as they mature. It takes four or five years for them to reach the fully white-headed, white-tailed look of adults.
But males and females look the same, except for size. Females are larger on average, and you can see the difference if you see a mated pair perched close together.”
Learn how to identify a golden eagle.
