The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a species of bird of prey from North America. It is famed for being the national animal of the United States of America. Bald eagles eat waterfowl, small mammals, and fish. Thus, in Alaska, many gather to feast on sockeye salmon during the salmon run. Bald eagles are also known to steal fish from other predatory birds such as ospreys and will even feast on carrion if given the chance. Bald eagles do not reach sexual maturity until they are about four or five years old. It is at this stage that they get their characteristic all-white heads.
Out of all the known bird species in the world, bald eagles make the largest nest; a typical bald eagle nest reaches up to 5 feet in length and 4 feet in height. Bald eagles show gender dimorphism; the males are usually smaller than the females.