Familiar to most as the avian symbol of the United States; adults are instantly recognizeable. They are dark brown overall with a gleaming white head and tail. The bill and feet are yellow, as is the eye. When soaring, the wings are held flat. At a distance, when the white head and tail blend in with the light sky, the bird looks like a plank of wood soaring through the air. At closer range, the large head and bill extend well beyond the leading edge of the wings. Young birds are dark overall, with varying amounts of white mottling on the body and underwing coverts. This mottling varies over the bird’s first few years, until adult plumage is achieved around the age of five. Young Bald Eagles do not have the distinctive white "windows" at the base of the primaries that are seen on young Golden Eagles.

Length: 86 (cm) Wingspan: 183 (cm)

Voice:

A weak chirping, kleeek-kikikikiki.

Habitat:

Coasts, lakes, and rivers adjacent to large trees for roosting and nesting.

Behavior:

Forms large communal roosts during the winter months, with some containing more than 100 birds. Smaller groups often seen during late afternoon at pre-roost gatherings.

Feeding:

Feeds on fish, waterfowl, and carrion. Often congregates at streams with spawning salmon.