The bald eagle is a striking raptor whose appearance is quite unmistakeable. It is one of the largest birds in North America. Its distinct white head and tail are its trademark. It evokes strong feelings of patriotic pride as the national symbol of the United States. It was chosen as the official emblem of the United States in 1782.

Different bird books dispute whether or not the bald eagle is larger than the golden eagle, but regardless they are both large raptors. In this species the guys must tip their hats to the ladies, for the female eagles are the largest at around six kilograms, a metre tall with two-metre-plus wing spans. The males weigh in at 3.5 to 4.5 kilograms.

Bald eagles have been known to live over 40 years. Their white plumage slowly forms over the first five years, making identification difficult. It's easy to confuse immature birds with golden eagles.

Bald eagles are lazy hunters, preferring carrion and often gorging themselves to the point that liftoff is impossible. They have also been known to harass other predators and birds of prey until they abandon their kill, which opportunist eagles steal for supper. They are actually capable of spotting food over a kilometre away.

The bald eagles' nests are built onto year after year, with some structures so large that they topple under the weight. One such nest studied, weighed 1,980 kilograms and measured 6.5 metres deep and over a metre wide.

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