Bald Eagle ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus )

The bald eagle- not bald, but covered with feathers! So, why is this fluffy bird called bald? Well, the eagle is called bald not because it is bald- but because the white head makes it look bald against all those black feathers! It has been the national bird of the U.S. for a long time, standing for freedom, power, and majesty.

When a female eagle has babies, usually only 2 eggs are born. Feeding is a constant job, and if not enough food is provided, the stronger chick will kill it's own sibling. So much for brotherly love! The female eagle is always heavier than the male, so as to help protect herself. She will catch fish and bring it back to her hungry babies, who devour the food.

The eagle can be seen lots of places, but can be found in large groups in Alaska when the salmon go upstream to spawn and die. Then, it's feast day. But when winter comes, the bald eagle has a tough time surviving. The birds and fish it usually eats are gone, and scraps and small insects become an important part of its diet for staying alive.