Bald eagles do not dive into the water but rather skim across the top catching fish near the surface.

During salmon runs in Alaska, bald eagles have been observed standing on the shoreline and pouncing on salmon as the fish swims into shallow water.

If a bald eagle catches a fish that is too heavy to lift, it may grasp the fish with its talons and use its wings like oars to swim to shore.

The bald eagle, scientifically known as Haliaeetus leucocephalus, meaning white-headed sea eagle, is not true to its name it our modem language. A bald eagle is, of course, not bald. This eagle was named at a time when “bald” was a common description of white markings on the face or head of an animal.


The eagle belongs to the order Falconiformes, a grouping of birds that includes about 275 species worldwide. This order includes those birds considered carnivores by virtue of their unique design, which enables them to hunt and eat meat. The eagles’ razor-sharp talons, hooked beak, and keen eyesight all aid these remarkable birds in the hunt. Eagles tend to use the same nests year after year.