The adult Bald Eagle (or American Eagle) is a large, brown bird that is easily
identified by its obvious white head and tail. It also has bright yellow talons,
beak, and eyes.
The wingspan stretches about 7 feet (2.1 meters) across for the typical female and
6.5 feet (2.0 meters) for males. In Alaska, female wingspans reach up to 8 feet
(2.4 meters). Females generally are 25 percent heavier than males.
Bald Eagles are powerful fliers and can remain aloft for hours. Using wind currents
and thermal updrafts, they can soar to heights of over 10,000 feet. Their level flight
speed has been clocked at 44 miles per hour, and their diving speed is estamated to be
75 to 100 mph.
