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What are five facts about bald eagles?

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The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last updated

Below are five facts about the bald eagle.

  • 1. Bald eagles are not actually bald. The term “bald” comes from an older meaning of the word, which was “white-headed.”
  • 2. The birds can live up to 25 years in the wild. In captivity, bald eagles can live for more than 40 years.
  • 3. Bald eagles mate for life.
  • 4. The nests of bald eagles are among the largest created by birds. They typically are about 5 feet (1.5 meters) wide.
  • 5. Female bald eagles are larger than males. Females may reach 108 cm (43 inches) in length and have a wingspan of 2.5 meters (8 feet). An adult male is about 90 cm (36 inches) long and has a wingspan of 2 meters (6.6 feet).