Front:
Qlan BraaKS
BALD EAGLE (adult and young)
Published by the National Association of Audubon Societies
Back:
No. 13 Bald Eagle
Length, male, 32 inches
The Bald Eagle is a powerful and majestic bird,
and, as the emblem of our country, has perhaps
been brought more into prominence than its rela-
tive, the Golden Eagle. The bird, however, is
poorly named as it is not bald-headed, but merely
has its crown and neck covered with white feath-
ers. Three years are required to attain this plu-
mage.
The Bald Eagle, in all its wide range, is seldom
found far from water, for fish is its favorite food.
Although a poor fisherman itself, it often robs the
Osprey of its catch. It also feeds upon dead fish
cast ashore by the waters. In certain parts of our
country this species is said to be destructive to the
young of various game animals and to water fowl.
"Of 21 stomachs examined, 1 contained a game
bird ; 5, mammals; 9, fish; 2, carrion ; and 5 were
empty.” (Fisher.)
The note of the Bald Eagle can be heard for
some distance and has a strange, human quality.
Its nest is usually placed high in a tall tree and
is a ponderous affair, as the same nest is often
added to and used year after year. The eggs are
two or three, and dull white.
Classification: Order Raptores. Family Buteonide.
Scientific name: Haliætus leucocephalus.
Range: Throughout North America from Mexico
to the limit of the trees. Breeds throughout its range.
No. 13 from set of 50 Winter Birds of the Northeastern United
States. Published by the National Association of Audubon So-
cieties, 1974 Broadway, New York City. Price per set, in a box,
$1.00 post paid.
