Bald Eagle
Bald eagle, symbol of the United States, is common along Canada’s pacific coastline. A highly successful predator, hunters were once rewarded for each bird they destroyed; today the eagle is a protected species. The bald eagle isn't bald. The word "bald" actually comes from the word "piebald" which is used to describe something that is spotty or patchy. Adult eagles are dark brown and have white feathers covering their heads and tails. They also have hooked yellow beaks, large talons, and oversized feet equipped with small spikes, called spicules. Together, eagles use these body parts as their own type of fishing pole. Eagles also have a super sense of vision, allowing them to see four to seven times farther than humans. Bald eagles make their homes in forested areas near large bodies of water. This environment ensures good fishing and large trees for nesting. Eagles also tend to seek areas that are isolated from humans. The bald eagle is the only eagle exclusive to North America. Eagles are at the top of the food chain and have no natural enemies. When bald eagle populations dwindle, it's likely because humans have interfered with their natural habitat. The bald eagle is Canada's largest bird of prey. It gets its food by direct capture, scavenging and stealing prey from other animals. Its diet consists primarily of fish. However, if fish are scarce, eagles refuse to go hungry and instead feast on rabbits, squirrels, birds and even young deer! Most of Canada's bald eagle population is found along the Pacific coast of British Columbia. Healthy eagle populations are also found in the boreal forests of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and northwestern Ontario. Small groups of eagles also make their homes in Cape Breton and along the coast of Newfoundland. In the United States, bald eagles nest in more than half the country. Bald eagles that nest in northern areas are considered to have stable populations, while those nesting in areas of southern Ontario, New Brunswick and most of the United States are considered threatened animals. When a bald eagle loses a feather on one wing, it will lose a feather on the other in order to keep its balance.
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