Birdsong field guide
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
A massive North American bird of prey distinguished by its white head and tail, serving as the national emblem of the United States.
What it sounds like
A series of high-pitched, weak-sounding chirps and thin whistles, often described as a 'laughing' twitter.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Field notes
- They build the largest tree nests of any bird species, which can weigh over two tons and measure ten feet across.
- Juveniles are almost entirely brown and do not develop their signature white head and tail plumage until they are 4 to 5 years old.
- Bald eagles are frequent kleptoparasites, meaning they regularly steal food caught by other predators, such as Ospreys.
- Their visual acuity is roughly four times stronger than that of a human, allowing them to spot fish from high altitudes.
- The grip of an eagle's talon is estimated to be ten times stronger than the grip of a human hand, exerting roughly 400 psi.
Habitat
Near large bodies of open water with abundant fish and tall, old-growth trees for nesting and roosting.
Range
Most of North America, including Alaska, Canada, the contiguous United States, and northern Mexico.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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