The Bald Eagle – The National Bird of The United States of America – Inspirational Qualities
3 min read
Humans are adaptive and our intelligence allows us to draw inspiration for behaviour from different sources but one thing is certain, that we have always sought to be our best possible versions through generations. What is inspiring you today and what are you modelling your character and personal culture around?
On 20 June 1782, the United States of America adapted the Bald Eagle as the national bird. The topic of what the national emblem of the United States of America should be was disputed over for more than six years. It was chosen as the national bird of the U.S. because of its majestic beauty, strength, grace, long life, spirit of independence, and loyalty.
Bald Eagles are a monogamous bird, which means they stay with the same mate their entire life. If either bird happens to die, the eagle will find a new mate.
Every mating season, which occurs anywhere from late September to early April (depending on the region), the female eagle will lay one to three eggs. She lays the eggs about five to ten days after mating. Both sexes take turns incubating the eggs for 32 to 35 days until they hatch.
After the eaglets have hatched, the young will remain in the nest for 10 to 12 weeks while both parents share the responsibility of feeding them. After they have learned to fly and hunt, the eaglets leave the nest.
However, disease, starvation, bad weather, and predation cause more than 50% of eagles to perish during their first year.
If the eagle survives its first year, it can live about 20 to 30 years in the wild.
Bald eagles have tremendous eyesight with a visual acuity six times better than that of humans. They are capable of seeing over 1.5 miles (2.5 km) away.
This exceptional vision, along with their long, sharp talons, make them very effective predators.
An eagle will make screeching sounds to warn predators not to venture into their territory. This noise is also used to deepen the bond between the male and female.
Bald eagles primarily eat fish and carrion, but they also eat ducks, snakes, other small birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Bald eagles have even been known to kill young deer and adult raccoons.
Bald eagles fly at a speed of around 30 miles per hour (about 50 km/hr), and while gliding can reach up to 45 miles per hour (75 km/hr). When diving, they can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour (160 km/hr).
Bald eagles have up to 7000 feathers which are composed of keratin, the same material which makes up human hair and nails.
An eagle can fly up to heights of 10,000 feet (3 kilometres) from the ground. The wingspan of a bald eagle can range between 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 metres).
Humans are adaptive and our intelligence allows us to draw inspiration for behaviour from different sources but one thing is certain, that we have always sought to be our best possible versions through generations.
About the Writer
Desmond Mapfumo is a Mindset Teacher, Multi-Startup Founder, Startup Builder, Startup Investor, Strategy Expert and Consultant. He is a Business, Social and Personal Development Mentor. He is the Founder of Inspiration Media and Rebirth Group, the parent of Inspiration Media.
