Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Symbolic Icon Iconic Fish-eater
Image details
Contributor:
David Gowans / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
ANKX7NFile size:
60 MB (1.8 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
5418 x 3872 px | 45.9 x 32.8 cm | 18.1 x 12.9 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
2007Location:
Vancouver Island British Columbia BC CanadaMore information:
The Bald Eagle is the only eagle unique to North America. The bald eagle's scientific name signifies a sea (halo) eagle (aeetos) with a white (leukos) head. At one time, the word "bald" meant "white, " not hairless. Bald eagles are found over most of North America, from Alaska and Canada to northern Mexico. About half of the world's 70, 000 bald eagles live in Alaska. Combined with British Columbia's population of about 20, 000, the northwest coast of North America is by far their greatest stronghold for bald eagles. They flourish here in part because of the salmon. Dead or dying fish are an important food source for all bald eagles. Eagles are a member of the Accipitridae family, which also includes hawks, kites, and old-world vultures. Scientists loosely divide eagles into four groups based on their physical characteristics and behavior. The bald eagle is a sea or fish eagle. There are two subspecies of bald eagles. The "southern" bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus leucocephalus, is found in the Gulf States from Texas and Baja California across to South Carolina and Florida, south of 40 degrees north latitude.