Discover Bald Eagle Scientific Name And Eagle Species List

What is the scientific name of the American National bird, the bald eagle? The bald eagle scientific name​ is Haliaeetus leucocephalus.

The bald eagle remains the most prominent bird in North America and the national bird of the United States. Powerful, the eagle can easily be identified with its white head and dark brown body. This article will discuss the bald eagle’s scientific name and classification, among other topics regarding its place in nature.

What Is the Bald Eagle Scientific Name?

Haliaeetus leucocephalus is the scientific name of the bald eagle.

This is the name by which this eagle-like creature can be globally identified, regardless of the language used. The eagle scientific name helps people around the world identify the bird, no matter what language they speak.

What is the Scientific Name for eagles?

There are many kinds of eagles, each with its scientific name. The golden eagle, for instance, has its designation. But in the United States, when one generally speaks of the biological name for eagle, one usually means the bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus.

Bald Eagle’s Classification

Below is the classification of the bald eagle in biology. This system shows how the eagle fits into the animal kingdom.

This shows that the bald eagle’s zoological name refers to its belonging to the same family as hawks and other eagles.

Meaning and Pronunciation of Bald Eagle Scientific Name

Let us break down the bald eagle’s zoological name:

• Genus: Haliaeetus (Pronounced: Hal-ee-EE-tus)
  • It’s means “sea eagle“.
• Species: Leucocephalus (pronounced loo-ko-SEF-a-lus)
  • It’s means “white head”.

Together, Haliaeetus leucocephalus translates to “the white-headed sea eagle”.

Where Are Bald Eagles Found?

Bald eagles are mainly found in North America. They prefer living close to lakes, rivers, or the ocean. They make large nests in tall trees or on cliffs known as aeries.

Because fish thrive near water bodies and are the main food source for bald eagles, they are easy to find. The bald eagle has a great power of hunting its prey, and being in such a category, it is widely studied under the scientific name of birds of prey.

Why Is It Called a Bald Eagle?

The name ‘bald’ does not mean an eagle is featherless. The term originates from a form of the word meaning ‘white.’ Hence, from a distance, the eagle’s white head appears bald, which gives rise to its name, bald eagle.

Interesting Facts about Bald Eagles

• Bald eagles can live for about 30 years in the wild.
• They can reach altitudes of above 10,000 ft.
• The wingspan of the bald eagle is generally more than 7 ft.
• They see four to five times better than humans.

50 Eagle Species With Their Scientific Names