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Close-up of bald eagle head.
Bald Eagle eagle. © Kent Mason

Stories in Indiana

Bald Eagle

Bald eagles are flying high.

December 14, 2021

The Return of Bald Eagles

In 1782, the bald eagle was named the U.S. national symbol—representing strength, courage and freedom. Today it could also be considered a symbol of survival. A few decades ago, the bald eagle was dangerously close to becoming extinct throughout the lower 48 U.S. states. Today, they're back from the brink and doing better than ever.

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Habitat loss, over-hunting and the now-banned pesticide DDT were largely to blame for the eagles' rapidly declining numbers between 1870 and 1970. In Indiana, bald eagles were extirpated by 1900 due to the loss of wetland habitats. As breeding pairs continued to decrease in numbers throughout the country, it was apparent that something had to be done. In 1972 DDT was banned in the U.S., and in 1978 the bald eagle was listed as endangered. In August 2007, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services removed the bald eagle from the endangered species list as a result of their remarkable recovery.

Bald eagle and eagle chick in large nest.
Bald Eagle and Chick One of the winning entries in the 2021 "Indiana, Naturally" photo exhibit at the Indianapolis International Airport. © Robert Wrenn

5 Things You May Not Know about Bald Eagles

Learn more about these iconic birds.

  1. Bald eagles reuse the same nest year after year.

    They add to the nest when necessary. Some larger nests have been known to weigh up to 4,000 pounds.

  2. Juvenile bald eagles don't have white heads.

    Bald eagles don't get that distinctive white head plumage until they are 4-5 years old.

  3. They can attain an altitude of 10,000 feet.

    Bald eagles can dive at a speed of 30-35 miles per hour. In normal flight, they fly between 20-60 miles per hour.

  4. They mate for life.

    Bald eagles work well with their mates—they share the duties of incubating and caring for eggs.

  5. Ben Franklin preferred turkeys.

    Bald eagles almost weren't the national symbol of the United States of America, thanks in part to Benjamin Franklin, who was convinced their moral character was inferior to some other birds —all because they might scavenge once in a while.

Large bald eagle with wings outstretched and talons ready.
Bald Eagle: In winter, bald eagles are best seen near dams and power plants where open water abounds. © Nathan Lovas/TNC

More Bald Eagle Facts

  • Bald eagles were named for their distinctive pure white head, neck and tail. Their scientific name—Haliaeetus leucocephalus—is Latin for "white-headed sea eagle."
  • These birds are big—averaging between 27 to 35 inches tall with a 71-90- inch wingspan; females are slightly larger than males.
  • Bald eagles can live up to 30 years in the wild, and 50 in captivity.
  • Bald eagles tend to nest near lakes, rivers and other waterways on the tops of tall trees.
  • Bald eagles' eyesight is quite impressive; they have eight times more resolving power than humans and can locate prey up to two miles away.
  • Bald eagles are unique to North America. All U.S. states except Hawaii are home to these great birds and Alaska is the only state that has never had them listed as endangered or threatened.

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