The Haliaeetus leucocephalus, commonly known as the bald eagle, is a bird of prey found primarily in North America. It is easily recognizable by its white head and tail feathers, contrasting with its dark brown body and wings. The bald eagle has a wingspan of about 6 to 8 feet and is known for its powerful build and keen eyesight. Bald eagles primarily inhabit areas near large bodies of open water, where they can find their main food source: fish. They are skilled hunters and often build large nests in tall trees or cliffs. The species is a symbol of the United States and was chosen as the national bird in 1782.