The bald eagle, with its striking white head and an impressive wingspan, symbolizes strength and freedom in North America. For centuries, this bird of prey has captured people’s imaginations, appearing in myths and legends and even serving as the national bird of the United States. However, there is more to this magnificent creature than meets the eye.
At Jardene Photography, we’ve photographed many animals in their natural habitat for our wildlife photography series, but bald eagles remain our favourite animal to photograph.
Here are some interesting bald eagle facts that you should know!
Fact 1: They Have Distinct Features
Bald eagles are large birds that typically weigh between 6 to 14 pounds and have a wingspan of up to 7 feet. They have distinctive white heads, yellow beaks, and brown bodies with white feathers on their tails.
Fact 2: It Was Once Endangered
The bald eagle fact many people don’t know is that they were once considered endangered. This was due to the widespread use of pesticides like DDT, which caused the thinning of their eggshells and a decline in their population. However, with proper conservation efforts, bald eagles are no longer endangered and were removed from the list in 2007.
Fact 3: They’re Opportunistic Feeders
Bald eagles are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of prey, including fish, mammals, and birds. They are known to scavenge for food and steal prey from other birds or mammals.
Additionally, bald eagles have powerful talons and beaks that allow them to catch and kill their prey, and they have excellent eyesight, which helps them locate their food from great distances. Their unique grace during the hunt is also one of our favourite shots to capture for wildlife photography.
Fact 4: They Mate For Life
Bald eagles mate for life and often return to the same nesting site year after year. Their nests are usually built high in trees, near water, and can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. They’re known for their elaborate courtship displays, which involve aerial acrobatics and the exchange of gifts, such as sticks or fish.
Fact 5: They Have Significant Symbolism
A common bald eagle fact is that it has long been a symbol of strength and freedom in North America. In fact, the bird is also a significant symbol in Native American culture and is often seen as a messenger between humans and the spirit world.
Fact 6: Their Lifespan & Behavior
Bald eagles can live up to 20 years in the wild and even longer in captivity. They are solitary birds and often defend their territory aggressively against other bald eagles. They’re also known for their impressive flying abilities, with some birds reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. This is why you’ll often see flying bald eagles in wildlife photography; they’re majestic!
Looking for Bald Eagle Pictures To Hang In Your Home?
Bald eagles are majestic birds and an important symbol of freedom. You may not be able to keep one, but it doesn’t mean you can’t hang a picture of it in its full glory on your wall. Visit Jardene Photography to scroll through wildlife photography prints. We capture the images of animals in their true essence. Our photography shop in Calgary caters to all parts of North America, the UK, and some parts of Europe.
Get in touch for special orders and more.