In the mid-1900s, eagles were on the endangered species list due to habitat loss and hunting. Amazingly, we have brought them back from the fringe of extinction! Today, there is a large, thriving population of eagles across the United States. There are many special days to honor our feathered friends, including Save the Eagle Day on January 10th, Eagle Day on January 11th, and National Bird Day on January 5th. This blog has everything you need to celebrate these extraordinary birds, including amazing eagle facts, great book suggestions, and a fun coloring sheet.

eagles

Amazing Eagle Facts

  • There are over 60 species of eagles worldwide, but only two (the bald eagle and golden eagle) are found in the United States and Canada.
  • Bald eagles are not actually bald. They get their name from the contrast of white feathers on their heads and dark feathers on their bodies, which gives the illusion of being bald from far away.
  • Bald Eagles are not born with white feathers on their heads; they are dark and will not grow their white feathers until they are around 4-5 years old.

    eagles ages

  • Eagles have fantastic eyesight. They can see 8 times better than humans and have a 340-degree field of view. Their peripheral vision is even better than that of owls.
  • In 1782, the bald eagle became the national bird of the United States. It is pictured in many government institutions and on official documents, making it the most photographed bird in America.
  • Eagles are birds of prey, which means they are carnivores and eat meat. Like other birds of prey, Golden eagles hunt for their food and have been known to hunt foxes, wild cats, and even small deer and goats.
  • The bald eagle’s scientific name is Haliaeetus Leucocephaul.
  • Bald eagles build the largest nest of all the birds in North America. Their nests can be up to 9 ft wide and up to 20 ft deep.

Book Picks

An Eagle’s Tale by Angela Modany

The eagle soars high above Alaska’s tundra, diving for fish to bring back to its chicks. An Eagle’s Tale is a beautifully designed book about an eagle’s life and people’s beliefs about these majestic birds.

On The Mountain by Libby Walden 

This text provides information about eagles’ life cycle, physical characteristics, habitat, and predatory behavior.

A Bald Eagle’s World by Caroline Arnold

Describes the growth and development of a bald eagle, from when it hatches until it is one year old, in a book that provides information about bald eagles’ physical characteristics, behavior, and habitat.

Eagles by Melissa Gish

A look at eagles, including their habitats, physical characteristics such as their keratinous beaks, behaviors, relationships with humans, and admired status today.

In a text with fold-out pages, the author describes and identifies winged predators and explains why a vulture’s head has no feathers, which bird is the deep-diving champ, and what makes an owl’s wings perfectly silent in flight.

The Bald Eagle by Karen Latchana Kenney

Provides information about the bald eagle and explains how and why the bird came to be a symbol of the United States.

Hunting with Bald Eagles by Paige Thurnherr

The bald eagle is one of the world’s most beautiful and majestic animals. With sharp talons, a hooked beak, and mighty wings, bald eagles are deadly hunters and always ready to attack. Engaging text is paired with excellent photographs of bald eagles soaring, diving, and attacking. Readers of all ages will surely enjoy flying along with bald eagles on the hunt.

Bald Eagles by Emily J. Dolbear

It provides information about bald eagles, including anatomy, behavior, and threatened status.

The Eagles Are Back by Jean Craighead George 

The American bald eagle, the national symbol of the United States, was once dangerously close to extinction. With the help of dedicated volunteers and decades of hard work, the eagle population made a dramatic comeback. This moving picture book tells the story of one boy who helped hatch an eaglet.

Eagles by Adele D. Richardson

Discusses eagles, including their physical features, habitat, range, and life cycle.

This is the true story of Beauty the eagle’s rescue and rehabilitation. Beauty has been featured on Nat Geo WILD TV’s Unlikely Animal Friends, in the National Wildlife Federation’s Ranger Rick magazine, and in the National Academy of Engineering.

Eagles & Birds Of Prey by Jemima Parry-Jones 

Explore their anatomy in detail and know what makes them soar and glide. Follow the owls into the night and learn how they see and listen in almost complete darkness. Find out how eagles and other birds of prey have been part of our history and culture for years.

On The Mountain by Libby Walden

Under the mountain’s watchful gaze, Fish swim, bears play, and sheep gently graze. Explore the mountain and uncover its secrets with this interactive pop-up book.

Parrots, hummingbirds, eagles, and more swoop across the pages of this colorful bird book, which combines gorgeous illustrations and photos to help young enthusiasts learn all about the wonderful world of birds. From frozen icescapes to sweltering deserts, from prehistoric ancestors to amazing adaptations, they’ll discover our feathered friends’ surprising homes and habits.