The bald eagle is one of North America’s most majestic birds. This huge raptor, with its snow-white head and yellow beak, has an average wingspan of around two metres and can weigh over six kilograms.
Its razor-sharp talons, keen eyesight and incredible aerial skills make the USA’s national animal an exceptional hunter – as this set of 16 incredible bald eagle images shows.
Bald eagles can plummet towards prey at a speed of around 160 kph (99 mph). Credit: Johnny Johnson/Getty Images
Bald eagles prey mainly on fish, but may also take birds, squirrels, rabbits and other small mammals. Credit: Jared Lloyd/Getty Images
The scientific name of the bald eagle is Haliaeetus leucocephalus. Credit: Valerio Ferraro/Getty Images
The bald eagle has been the national symbol of the USA since 1782. Credit: Josh Miller Photography/Aurora Photos/Getty Images
Bald eagles can fly over 3 km (1.8 miles) high. Credit: Scott Suriano/Getty Images
Bald eagles are found near coasts, lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Credit: Scott Suriano/Getty Images
A bald eagle feeding on a young gull at Knight Inlet in British Columbia, Canada. Credit: Neil Aldridge/Getty Images
The bald eagle has piercing yellow eyes and can spot prey from 3 km (1.8 miles) away. Credit: Andy Smith/Getty Images
Bald eagles fight over hunting grounds in Haines, Alaska. Credit: Cavan Images/Getty Images
A bald eagle glides through the crisp winter air above the pristine Kenai Mountains, Alaska. Credit: Jared Lloyd/Getty Images
A pair of juvenile bald eagles duel amid falling snow. Credit: ps50ace/Getty Images
These large raptors have an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years. Credit: Andrea Pico Estrada/Getty Images
Bald eagles build large nests at the top of trees to keep their eggs and chicks away from predators. Credit: Brent Asay/Getty Images
Baby bald eagles are called eaglets. Credit: Mark Newman/Getty Images
Two juvenile bald eagles fight over a fish at Conowingo Dam in Maryland, USA. Credit: Vicki Jauron, Babylon and Beyond Photography/Getty Images
A bald eagle skilfully catches a fish at Kachemak Bay, Alaska. Credit: Jared Lloyd/Getty Images
Top image: juvenile bald eagles at Conowingo Dam in Maryland, USA. Credit: Vicki Jauron, Babylon and Beyond Photography/Getty Images
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