bald eagle

A large fish-eating raptor of North American coasts, rivers, and lakes, the Bald Eagle takes about five years to acquire its adult plumage — a dark brown body offset by the striking white head and tail, with juveniles remaining mottled brown and white. The wingspan reaches roughly 203 cm. It hunts chiefly fish, snatching them from the water surface with powerful talons, and also takes waterfowl, small mammals, and carrion. Nesting demands large old-growth trees near open water, where a clutch of one to four eggs is incubated for about 35 days; young fledge between 70 and 92 days. Despite its imposing size, its voice is a surprisingly thin, chattering whistle. Ranging from Alaska and Canada to northern Mexico, the species is classified as Least Concern.