A national symbol of the United States, the bald eagle is an Endangered Species success story. Nearly wiped out by hunting, destruction of nesting habitat, and the chemical DDT, there were only 487 nesting pairs remaining in the wild by 1963. Today, there are more than 9,700 nesting pairs.

ORIGIN:
Most of North America

HABITAT:
Rivers, lakes and marshes

HEIGHT/WEIGHT:
10-14 lbs
Length: F: 35-37 in; M: 30-34 in

DIET:
Birds, carrion, fish and rodents

PREDATORS:
Few known predators

NATURAL DEFENSES:
Long, sharp claws

REPRODUCTION:
Lays 1-3 eggs; 35 days incubation

THREATS:
Habitat loss and illegal shooting

LIFE EXPECTANCY:
Avg 15-20 yrs
Turtles |
Snails |
Fish | Snakes |