TAXONOMY
Scientific Name: Haliaeetus Leucocephalus Domain: Eukarya Kingdom: Anemelia Phylum: Cordata Class: Aves Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae Genus: Haliaeetus Species: Leucocephalus |
EVOLUTION
The ancestors of Bald Eagles have lived on Earth for eons. Evolutionary biologists believe that birds evolved from reptiles. The Bald Eagle is believed to have descended from an ancient bird referred to as a "kite" that lived about 36 million years ago. Bald Eagles have made many adaptations to their food source of mainly fish and other aquatic animals. All of their feet have four powerful toes each with a talon. Tiny projections at the bottom of their feet called "spicules" help them grab on to their prey. Bald Eagles also have serrations at the roof of their mouth to help them hold on to slippery fish. Lastly, the black pigment on the Bald Eagles wings are said to strengthen their wings against breakage when diving into water to grab their prey. The Bald Eagle does not participate in group behavior during nesting season, however they are very sociable outside of it. The cause of this may be because they cannot afford to share food with others because they must provide for their young first. This helps survival because it gives the young greater chances for survival. |