Stages of Maturity

For the first four years after hatching, the Bald eagle has a brown coloration. Mature coloration evolves during the fifth year, when the bird transforms to exhibit the iconic white head and tail feathers. Immature bald eagles may be confused with Golden eagles. Until the bald eagle matures, telltale differences are the elongated head and shorter tail along with the mottled white splotching under the wing feathers.

Elaborate Courtship

During the breeding season, bald eagles can be observed performing elaborate courtship rituals while in flight. Swooping at one another, displaying cartwheel-like acrobatics, clasping talons in the air and spinning towards the ground, and letting go before ground impact are the amazingly extreme displays between male and female bald eagles.

Symbol of a Nation

Since 1782, the bald eagle has been the United States’ national emblem. After its near extinction by the 1960s, the Bald Eagle received Federal protection in 1967. With 40 years of conservation efforts, the Bald Eagle was removed from the Endangered Species List in 2007, making it a symbol of recovery and resilience.

 

To learn more, download the Bald Eagle fact sheet.