Donate!

Bald Eagle Biology

Biology | Behavior | Diet | Eaglets | Nests & Nesting | Migration & Flight | Physiology | Physical Characteristics | Taxonomy | Demographics | Eaglets | Decline & Recovery | National Symbol | Laws Protecting Eagles | Diseases | Dangers | AEF & Eagles | Overview | Citations

Eagle Family © Scott Kelly, Wild4Photos.com

Celebrating Nature as America Turns 250

As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding in 2026, known nationally as United States Semiquincentennial or “America 250,” it is fitting to reflect on one of our nation’s most enduring symbols: the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus).

Chosen in 1782 as the national emblem, the bald eagle represents strength, resilience, and freedom. Its biological story, however, is just as powerful as its symbolism.

Classification and Species

The bald eagle belongs to:

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Aves

• Order: Accipitriformes

• Family: Accipitridae

It is one of several sea eagle species worldwide, uniquely adapted to thrive near large bodies of water where fish are plentiful.