Its dive speed is between 120–160 km/h . Bald Eagle #baldeagle #raptor #birds

The bald eagle, scientifically known as Haliaeetus leucocephalus, is a majestic bird of prey native to North America and serves as the national bird and symbol of the United States. Its most distinguishing feature is its striking white head contrasting against a dark brown body, a look that inspired its name.

These formidable raptors possess impressive physical characteristics. They have a wingspan ranging from 6 to 7.5 feet (1.8 to 2.3 meters) and can weigh anywhere from 6 to 14 pounds (2.7 to 6.3 kilograms), with females typically larger than males. Bald eagles exhibit remarkable strength and agility, capable of diving at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour (161 kilometers per hour) to catch their prey.

Their diet primarily consists of fish, though they are opportunistic hunters and will also feed on birds, small mammals, and carrion. Bald eagles are often spotted near bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and coastlines, where they hunt for fish using their sharp talons to snatch prey from the water's surface.

Bald eagles are known for their impressive nests, which they construct in large trees near water sources. These nests can reach enormous sizes, weighing hundreds of pounds and measuring up to 10 feet (3 meters) across. Bald eagles are known for their long-term pair bonds and often mate for life, returning to the same nesting site year after year.

Once on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss, hunting, and the widespread use of pesticides like DDT, bald eagle populations have rebounded significantly since the banning of DDT in the 1970s and the implementation of conservation measures. Today, they are considered a conservation success story, with populations thriving across much of their range. However, they still face threats such as habitat destruction, pollution, and lead poisoning from ingesting prey with lead ammunition residues, highlighting the ongoing need for conservation efforts to protect these iconic birds for future generations.