Bald Eagles live close to large sources of water like rivers, marshes, lakes, and estuaries. They can be found throughout the United States (except in Hawaii) and in Canada. The Bald Eagle population we studied is the one nesting in the Chesapeake Bay watershed in Virginia. The Chesapeake Bay is a very productive estuary that has historically provided a good source of food and habitat for both nesting and migrating Bald Eagles.

Bald Eagle Facts and Fiction

• Fact! The scientific name for Bald Eagle is Haliaeetus leucocephalus which means "white-headed sea eagle."
• Fact! Bald Eagles can fly up to 150 or 200 miles per hour when diving for food.
• Fact! Bald Eagles are the national symbol of the United States.

• Fiction! Bald Eagles are really bald. Actually, "bald" comes from the Old English word "balde" which means white. The Bald Eagle was named for its white colored head, not the lack of feathers.
• Fiction! The Bald Eagle is currently listed on the Endangered Species List. Actually, since 1995 the Bald Eagle has been listed on the Threatened Species List.
• Fiction! Bald Eagles are the only eagles in the United States. Actually, the Golden Eagle also lives in the U.S. Unlike the Bald Eagle, the Golden Eagle isn't much of a fish-eater. It eats a lot of jack-rabbits and large rodents and typically nests near open grassy areas.

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Adult Plumage, Size, and Diet
Nests and Eggs
Nestlings