American Bald Eagle Coloring Sheets | Free Coloring in Pictures for Printing

Bald Eagles Fun Facts

The American Bald Eagle is well known for its fishing ability. These majestic birds of prey primarily feed on fish, swooping down over water to catch them with their sharp talons. They have keen eyesight to spot fish from great distances and are skilled at diving at just the right moment to snatch their meal from the water.

Eagles are often seen along coastlines, rivers, large lakes, and marshes where fish are plentiful.

Besides fish, which make up a large portion of their diet, American Bald Eagles also hunt for a variety of other prey. Their diet can include birds, small mammals, and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. For birds, they might catch ducks, coots, and other waterbirds.

The small mammals they prey on can include rabbits, squirrels, muskrats, and in some cases, even young deer (fawns). Reptiles like snakes and turtles, and amphibians such as frogs, can also be part of their diet, depending on the eagle's habitat and the availability of prey.

American Bald Eagles are opportunistic feeders, which means they won't pass up the chance to scavenge for food as well. They are known to feed on carrion, including dead fish and animals, and may steal food from other birds or animals, a behavior known as kleptoparasitism. Their diverse diet and adaptability are among the reasons they are found across a wide range of habitats in North America.

Bald Eagle Coloring Pictures

Free Coloring Books

Coloring pictures are also available as free Coloring Books in Adobe PDF format for printing and sharing. Two print versions are available for printer paper sizes, one in American Letter, the other for the UK is in A4 format.

Introduction to the American Bald Eagle

The American Bald Eagle, recognized for its majestic appearance and symbolic significance, holds a distinguished place both historically and environmentally within the United States and beyond. Here are some of its distinctive features:

Historical Significance:

Symbol of the United States: The Bald Eagle was chosen as the national emblem of the United States in 1782, symbolizing strength, freedom, and longevity. Its image is prominent on the Great Seal of the United States.
Cultural Importance: Native American tribes have revered the Bald Eagle for centuries, seeing it as a sacred bird with its feathers used in various ceremonial rites and as symbols of honor.
Conservation Success Story: The Bald Eagle was on the brink of extinction in the lower 48 states by the mid-20th century, due to habitat destruction, hunting, and the use of pesticides like DDT. However, it has made a remarkable comeback following legal protection and conservation efforts, leading to its removal from the Endangered Species List in 2007.

Environmental Significance:

Habitat: Bald Eagles are found in North America, favoring habitats near large bodies of open water with abundant food supplies and old-growth trees for nesting.
Diet and Hunting: Primarily fish-eaters, Bald Eagles have an impressive hunting technique that includes swooping down over water to snatch fish with their sharp talons. They are also known to scavenge and, less frequently, hunt small mammals.
Nesting: They build some of the largest nests of any bird species, which they often use and enlarge each year. These nests, or aeries, are usually situated in large, sturdy trees or on cliff sides.
Migration Patterns: While some Bald Eagles are permanent residents, others migrate with the seasons, especially those that breed in northern regions where their water-based food sources freeze over in winter.

Physical Characteristics:

Size and Appearance: Adult Bald Eagles are noted for their striking white heads and tails, which contrast with their dark brown bodies and wings.
The name "bald" comes from an old meaning of the word, referring to "white" rather than "hairless." Juvenile eagles lack this distinctive coloration and are primarily brown.
Wingspan: They have a massive wingspan ranging from about 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters), which facilitates their role as skilled fliers and hunters.
Lifespan: In the wild, Bald Eagles can live up to 20-30 years, with even longer lifespans possible in captivity, given proper care.

The American Bald Eagle, through its recovery from near extinction and its symbolic importance, continues to inspire conservation efforts and national pride. Its presence in the environment serves as a barometer for the health of the ecosystems where it lives, reflecting the importance of preserving natural habitats and biodiversity.

Learn more about Bald Eagles on the following websites:

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Bald Eagles

The American Eagle Foundation - Bald Eagles Facts

Some Words on the Magestic Bald Eagle

In the mountains high, where eagles soar,
The Bald Eagle spreads its wings to explore,
Over lakes so clear, sparkling and bright,
Hunting for fish in the soft morning light.

With eyes keen and talons sharp,
It dives with grace, a hunting harp,
A symbol of freedom, strong and true,
Americans love the eagle, through and through.

In flight it glides, majestic and proud,
A symbol of courage, calling out loud,
For in its spirit, we find our own,
A symbol of strength, forever known.

A poem about the Bald Eagle

In the land of the brave and free,
Soars a symbol of majesty,
The American Bald Eagle, proud and true,
In mountains high and skies so blue.

With wings outstretched, it takes to flight,
Over lakes that shimmer in the light,
Hunting for fish with keen eyesight,
A noble hunter, a breathtaking sight.

Americans love this regal bird,
Its spirit soaring, its call heard,
A symbol of strength, courage, and grace,
In every heart, a special place.