(birds chirping)
- [Narrator] Welcome to "Creature Features".
Around the world, there isn't a bird
more highly celebrated and truly regal
than the bald eagle.
Their presence is unmistakable
and their range dominates the North American continent
where they can be found from Alaska
all the way down to Mexico.
In the spring of 2020,
we spent several weeks observing
and filming a pair of eagles
that have decided to make Columbus, Ohio
their permanent residence.
And while it's impossible to get hands-on,
and completely illegal to physically interact
with one of these national treasures,
the best way to enjoy their beauty
is by simply sitting still with a camera
and a very long lens.
So if you guys are ready,
here's five things you probably didn't know
about the bald eagle.
Number one, bald eagles are not bald.
As mature adults, their head and neck
are covered in white feathers
that stand in sharp contrast
to the primarily brownish-black color
of the rest of their bodies.
The name bald eagle is actually derived
from the Old English word balde, which means white.
Number two, bald eagles are considered
a large bird of prey that belong to the sea eagle family.
Which means they specialize
in living around sources of water
where they can catch fish, aquatic birds,
and small animals.
Number three, when it comes to being a large bird,
it's no understatement.
Bald eagles have a wing span
that ranges between six and eight feet.
What's more impressive
is that they can weigh up to 14 pounds.
That's actually pretty heavy for a bird.
Females are about 25% larger than males,
and this noticeable difference in size
is a form of sexual dimorphism.
Number four, true love is a phase
that runs synonymous with bald eagles.
They pair for life and build some of the largest nests
of any bird in North America,
and it's within these impressive structures
where they lay one to three eggs.
Both males and females take turns incubating the eggs,
and after around 35 days, they hatch
and life finds a way.
Number five, the bald eagle proudly hails
as our national bird and emblem of the United States.
However, it was the turkey
who almost took this historic spot.
Certain reports state that Benjamin Franklin suggested
the turkey as a candidate for our national bird
instead of the bald eagle.
And believe it or not, the eagle won by just a single vote.
Can you imagine a gobbling turkey as our national emblem?
(lively music)
So there you have it, five things you probably didn't know
about the bald eagle.
I'm Bald Eagle Peterson.
Be brave, stay wild.
We'll see you on the next "Creature Feature".
(upbeat music)
What's going on, coyote pack?
I hope you enjoyed today's "Creature Feature" look
at the iconic bald eagle.
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(upbeat music)
(animal howling)