5 Unique Facts About The Iconic 'Bald Eagle'

Bald eagles are exclusively native to North America, with the majority of the population found in the United States and Canada. They are not found naturally in any other part of the world.

Despite their name, bald eagles are not actually bald. The term "bald" in their name is derived from an old English word, "balde," which means white. Adult bald eagles have a distinctive white head and tail feathers, while their bodies are dark brown.

Bald eagles have one of the largest wingspans of any North American bird of prey. Adult bald eagles typically have a wingspan ranging from 6 to 7 feet (1.8 to 2.1 meters), which allows them to glide gracefully and cover large distances in search of prey.

Bald eagles have powerful talons that they use for hunting and catching prey. These talons are strong enough to crush the bones of their prey, which often includes fish, waterfowl, and small mammals.

The bald eagle has been the national emblem of the United States since 1782, when it was chosen as a symbol of freedom and strength. It appears on the Great Seal of the United States and is prominently featured on the nation's currency and many government emblems.