Bald Eagle

The bald eagle (*Haliaeetus leucocephalus*) is a North American bird of prey in the family Accipitridae.

The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a North American bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is a sea eagle with a white head and tail in adults, and it is the national emblem of the United States. In French it is commonly called the pygargue à tête blanche.

Taxonomy and naming

The bald eagle is not a true eagle of the genus Aquila but a sea eagle in the genus Haliaeetus. The French name pygargue à tête blanche and the scientific name Haliaeetus leucocephalus refer to its white head.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs only in North America, with a range extending across much of Canada, Alaska, the contiguous United States, and northern Mexico. It typically nests near large bodies of water, including rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.

Diet and behaviour

Bald eagles are diurnal raptors and opportunistic predators. They feed mainly on fish but also on birds, mammals, carrion, and stolen prey.

Conservation status

The species was once in decline but has recovered in parts of its range. Quebec lists it as vulnerable, reflecting continued conservation attention in the province.