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Many people don't know that the bald eagle has been the symbol of the United States and the nation's national bird since 1782. Because the Sea Eagle was so common in Europe at the time, settlers in the 18th century gave the bald eagle its name, thinking it was the same bird. No European has ever seen a bald eagle, as they were native only to North America. The scientific name of the bald eagle is Haliaetus leucocephalus, which actually translates from Latin and Greek into 'sea eagle with a white head.' We still call them sea eagles to this day. North America is the home of only one variety of 'sea eagle'- the bald eagle. There is no mistaking the bald eagle, with its deep brown feathers and contrasting white head and tail. Many items, such as U.S. coins, flags, seals, and even buildings, have used the bald eagle's image as a symbol of the nation. Bald eagles are one type of raptor- other birds of prey in this category include owls, vultures, falcons, hawks, and other eagles. The bald eagle lives on a diet of live prey, such as waterfowl and fish, as well as rodents, snakes, rabbits, and birds, but they will eat carrion when there is no live prey to be eaten. The enormous adult bald eagle, with wingspans up to 7.5 feet, weighing up to 16 pounds, and with a length of up to 32 pounds, is a worthy adversary for any animal. Florida is the home of the smaller bald eagles, and Alaska is home to the larger ones. The bald eagle is known to other animals as a fierce predator in whatever region it is found. The area required for a pair of bald eagles to hunt in is large- anywhere from 2 to 15 square miles. A pair of bald eagles has only one nest, which they fiercely guard. Bald eagles have been observed in some instances, such as along the Indian River lagoon in Central Florida, chasing down Ospreys with fresh catches. The eagle, unfussy about its meal, will eat the second hand catch when the Osprey drops it to get away from the pursuing eagle. Bald eagles are social animals, staying loyal to family even as they remain fierce birds of prey. This species chooses its mate for life, unlike most birds. Though most birds live a much shorter time, the bald eagle can live for as many as 25 years. From Northern Mexico, all over the continental United States, and up into Alaska and Canada, the bald eagle resides in much of the continent. Though leaving the place they were hatched and flying long distances in search of ideal cool summer weather, the bald eagle usually returns to the area when it comes time to mate. When spring arrives, bald eagles of breeding age can lay between one and three eggs, which hatch in around 35 days. It takes about three months for the babies to start flying, and after the fourth month, they fly away from the nest to strike out for themselves. The dangers of hunger, disease, harsh weather, and toxic chemicals can all make life hard for baby eagles, but almost 70% manage to adapt and survive for at least a year. Were you aware that the United States Congress attempted to save the species by passing the Bald Eagle Protection Act in 1940? When this law passed, it became illegal to bother or disturb the birds. It also became illegal to take the birds, their nests, or their eggs for any purpose, such as selling, trading, owning, or exporting them. To take the bald eagle means shooting at them, wounding or killing them, capturing or trapping them, or even disturbing them. Toxic chemicals in the environment, including DDT and commercial and residential pesticides, led to a mass die-off of the bald eagle. New laws and reintroduction programs for the bald eagle have given the birds a chance to survive. In those days, many people thought it might be too late to save the bald eagle as in neared extinction. For species with small populations, and those with very few animals left, the Endangered Species Act of 1973 allowed the legal classifications of endangered or threatened. In the early 1990s, the rapidly increasing numbers of bald eagles made it possible for the species to be taken off the endangered species lists in most states. The bald eagle was reclassified by Congress as threatened on August 11, 1995, after its numbers grew from 500 pairs in 1963 to 5,000 pairs in 1994. As the number of bald eagles increase, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has plans to remove the bird from the endangered species list altogether. Watching these magnificent birds is a pleasure. The bald eagle takes long strides, each deliberate and powerful as it launches into its slow-motion soaring flight. The eagle remains determined, keeping a fixed eye on its prize. The number of majestic bald eagles is steadily increasing all over North America. These beautiful animals should certainly be seen in person.
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About the Article Author
Ryan Richardo writes about the bald eagle and bald eagle statues for OodlesOnBaldEagles.com.
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