The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) stands as a majestic symbol of strength and freedom, serving as the national emblem of the United States since 1782. With its striking white head and tail contrasting against a rich brown body, this magnificent bird can reach impressive sizes, boasting a wingspan of up to 8 feet and weighing between 6 to 14 pounds.
Bald eagles are primarily carnivorous, with a diet that mainly consists of fish, which they skillfully pluck from the water with their powerful talons. Their exceptional eyesight allows them to spot prey from over a mile away, and they can dive at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour when hunting. These raptors are known for their monogamous breeding habits, often returning to the same nest year after year, which can grow to be massive structures weighing over a ton.
Once on the brink of extinction due to hunting and environmental threats, bald eagle populations have made a remarkable recovery thanks to conservation efforts and protective legislation. Today, they are found across North America, thriving in habitats near large bodies of water where they can easily access their primary food source. The bald eagle's resilience serves as a powerful reminder of nature's ability to rebound when given a chance.
白頭鷹（學名：Haliaeetus leucocephalus）是一種雄偉的猛禽，象徵力量與自由，自1782年起成為美國的國家象徵。牠們擁有引人注目的白色頭部和尾部，與深褐色的身體形成鮮明對比。這種magnificent鳥類體型驚人，翼展可達8英尺（約2.4米），體重在6到14磅（約2.7到6.4公斤）之間。
白頭鷹主要是肉食性的，飲食以魚類為主，牠們會用強壯的爪子巧妙地從水中抓取獵物。牠們擁有極佳的視力，能夠在一英里（約1.6公里）外發現獵物，獵捕時可以以高達每小時100英里（約160公里）的速度俯衝。這種猛禽以一夫一妻制聞名，常年返回同一個巢穴繁衍後代，這些巢穴可能會逐年增大，重量甚至超過一噸。
白頭鷹曾因狩獵和環境威脅而瀕臨滅絕，但在保育努力和保護法規的幫助下，牠們的數量已經顯著恢復。如今，白頭鷹遍布北美洲，在靠近大型水體的棲息地茁壯成長，這些地方能夠讓牠們輕易獲取主要食物來源。白頭鷹的復原力是大自然在得到機會時能夠反彈的有力證明。
Citations:
[1] https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/facts/bald-eagle
[2] https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Birds/Bald-Eagle
[3] https://www.britannica.com/animal/bald-eagle
[4] https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate/eagle.pdf
[5] https://www.chattnaturecenter.org/visit/experience/wildlife/animal-facts/bald-eagles/
[6] https://www.suecoletta.com/secret-life-of-eagles/
