The bald eagle is a large bird of prey native to North America, known for its distinctive white head and tail feathers contrasting with its dark brown body. Despite its name, the bald eagle isn't actually bald: the white feathers on its head just make it look that way from a distance.

Bald eagles are powerful hunters with wingspans reaching up to seven feet. They soar high above lakes and rivers, using their incredibly sharp eyesight to spot fish swimming below, then dive down to snatch them with their strong talons. They also eat small mammals and birds, and aren't above stealing meals from other birds or scavenging.

In 1782, Congress chose the bald eagle as the national emblem of the United States, seeing in this strong, majestic bird a symbol of freedom and independence. By the 1960s, bald eagles had nearly vanished from the lower 48 states due to hunting and pesticide poisoning. Through careful conservation efforts, including legal protection and breeding programs, their numbers have recovered dramatically. Today, you can spot bald eagles near bodies of water across much of North America, a reminder that dedicated effort can reverse even severe environmental damage.