BALD EAGLE*

Bald eagle is not bald. You can see this in the picture above. It has white feathers on its head. Its tail is also white. This big bird has a wingspan of more than 2 meters. Bald eagles are strong birds and have an average lifespan of 28 years.

Bald eagle is a national symbol for Americans. You can see it on many American emblems. However, there were only a small number of bald eagles in the USA in 1960s. That was because of use of DDT. DDT is an insect killer. Farmers used it against harmful insects in their farms. It is a toxic material. Insects ate DDT and died. Then, small animals ate the insects and died. Then eagles ate these animals and died. Because it was toxic to humans and animals, it was banned in the US in 1972. After 1972, the number of bald eagles increased. As a result, bald eagles are not endangered today.

Bald eagles have big and powerful talons. They use their talons to catch fish**. They also eat dead animals and steal food from other animals. Bald eagles live near water such as coasts and lakes because in these places there are plenty of fish. Sometimes they eat small mammals, too.

Bald eagles mate for life, that is, they get married and do not change their partners until they die. They make and look after two eggs each year. Baby eagles are completely dark; they do not have the white feathers on their heads and tails until they are five years old. Bald eagles fly great distances. They travel from Florida to Michigan and from California to Alaska.