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Aves - Neognathae - Accipitriformes - Accipitridae - Haliaeetus - Haliaetus leucocephalus

Sternum (Breast Bone) of a Haliaetus leucocephalus (Bald Eagle)


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Species Description
The Bald Eagle is the only eagle unique to North America, with a range that includes most of Alaska and Canada, the continental United States and northern Mexico. Considered a sea eagle, it lives near large bodies of water that possess both an abundant food supply and plentiful old growth trees for nesting. The Bald Eagle is an opportunistic carnivore, occasionally taking carrion, mammals and birds, but primarily feeding on fish; it captures its prey by swooping over the water and grasping the fish with its talons. Bald Eagles have structures on their toes called spiricules that help grip a slippery fish; they have been seen to hunt cooperatively, and will wade into the water to catch fish. While it is generally sedentary, the Bald Eagle will migrate if nearby water freezes over.
Skeletal Elements Available

Sternum (Breast Bone)
External Links
Animal Diversity Web
Encyclopedia of Life
Wikipedia Bald Eagle Page

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