Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus

In the 1960s and 1970s, populations of our national symbol, the bald eagle, fell drastically. Pesticides such as DDT accumulated in thier prey and thus bald eagles, leading to infertile eggs or eggshells that were too thin. Protection of the bald eagle and its habitat, banning of some chemicals and captive breeding and reintroduction are helping populations recover.

Fact File

Pronunciation: EE-gul

Wingspan: 6 to 8 ft

Length: 2.5 to 3.5 ft

Weight: 7 to 14 lbs

Habitat: Coastal shores, forests and mountain regions near lakes and rivers

Prey: Primarily fish, some small mammals, birds, reptiles and carrion

Status: Species at Risk (U.S. Endangered Species List—Threatened)