June 20 is set aside for the Bald Eagle; it's National American Eagle Day!
The Bald Eagle is both the national bird and national animal of the United States.
While National American Eagle Day sounds like the most patriotic day of the year - and everyone is encouraged to honor our national symbol today - it also raises awareness for protecting the Bald Eagle.
According to National Day Calendar, the Bald Eagle was on the brink of extinction in the last half of the 20th century.
Thankfully, they were removed from the endangered species list in 1995 and taken off the list of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife in the Lower 48 States in 2007.
You can spot Bald Eagles in 49 states (expect Hawaii) and most of Canada.
National Day Calendar says they like spending their time near large bodies of open water where there is an abundant food supply of fish and trees perfect for nesting.
Check out these fun facts about Bald Eagles, according to National Day Calendar:
- Bald Eagle nests are the largest of any North American bird, and the largest tree nests ever recorded for any animal species.
- the largest Bald Eagle nest ever recorded was 9.5 feet in diameter and 20 feet deep, weighing nearly three tons!
- The name Bald Eagle comes from an older meaning of "white headed," as the bird is not bald but has a white head.
- A full-grown female Bald Eagle has a wingspan of 7 feet and weighs 7 to 15 pounds. Males are slightly smaller.
- Bald Eagles mate for life.
- The life span of a Bald Eagle is between 20 to 30 years.
