- Eagle Head -

Copyright 2000    Royce McClure

The bald eagle is the official emblem of the United States of America. It's picture is on the Great Seal, the presidents flag, some coins and paper money. It is a fact that Benjamin Franklin wanted to have the wild turkey as the national emblem because it was a native of the New World. Well I'm sure glad he was out-voted! When bald eagles are one and two years old they are gray or smoky brown all over, except for a few white spots on their back, under parts, head, wings and tail. The head, neck and tail do not become white until the bird is three or four years old. Males and females are colored the same, but the females are usually larger. They have a wingspread of 8 feet whereas a males is only seven feet. Adult males weigh around 8 pounds whereas females weigh around 12 pounds.