Context (BBC): The bald eagle was officially declared the US national bird.
Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is not actually bald. It is named so because of its white-feathered head.
Distribution: It is the only eagle solely native to North America.
Habitat: It is a sea eagle (fish-eating eagle), and so it commonly occurs inland along rivers and lakes.
It builds its nest in isolated trees or rocks located within easy flight of water. Both parents share in the incubation and feeding of the young.
Threats: Intense hunting, unintentional poisonings (use of DDT and lead shot), habitat destruction, and loss of great herds of bison (a seasonally important food source).
Conservation status:IUCN Red List:Least Concern | CITES:Appendix II