Eagles are large, powerful birds of prey with strong talons and heavy bills. Like other birds of prey such as the Red-tailed Hawk, they have keen eyesight — about three times the ability of a human’s. Their strength and majestic appearance have made them a symbol of war and power for ages, as well as frequent characters in stories and myths. There are over 60 species of eagles spread across the globe, but in this article we’re going to cover the eagles of North America.
EAGLES OF NORTH AMERICA
Technically, only two species of eagles are regularly found in North America; Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles. However, there are two additional species that aren’t native to the continent, but have been spotted in North America on extremely rare occasions; the White-tailed Eagle, and Steller’s Sea Eagle. Sightings of these last two eagles are very limited, and they’ve all taken place in Alaska.
1. BALD EAGLE
Length: 27.9-37.8 in
Weight: 105.8-222.2 oz
Wingspan: 80.3 in
If you live in the United States then you’re definitely familiar with the most recognized eagles of North America, the Bald Eagle. It’s been the country’s national emblem since 1782 and a symbol in the folklore and story-telling of indigenous people long before then.
Though they’re called “bald” eagles, these birds aren’t actually missing feathers on their heads. However, their heads are covered in stark white plumage, which boldly stands out from the rest of their deep chocolate covered bodies. The rest of Bald Eagles are colorful too, with their bills and talons being bright yellow. They’re also one of the largest birds in North America, with heavy bodies, a long, curved bill, and massive, broad wings.
Although the appearance of this bird is iconic and regal, it’s behavior is another story — Bald Eagles are known for their preference to scavenge carrion or steal food from other animals rather than hunt for their own. They use their intimidating size to harass smaller birds for their meals, often targeting ospreys. A Bald Eagle will go after an osprey in midair, attacking the bird until it drops it’s prey, or just snatch it directly from osprey’s talons. Because of their thuggish behavior, Benjamin Franklin didn’t want the Bald Eagle to be the representation of the country, and instead favored the Wild Turkey.
