The majestic Bald Eagle is Canada's largest bird of prey. One of 59 species of eagles in the world, the Bald Eagle is one of two eagles in North America (the other is the Golden Eagle) and the only exclusively North American eagle. Its scientific name is Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Haliaeetus for "sea eagle," and leucocephalus in reference to its white head. Although its total numbers have declined greatly since Europeans came to North America, this eagle is still fairly common in western Canada and in Alaska. Local populations in parts of Canada (e.g., southern Ontario, New Brunswick) and in the lower 48 states of the United States are endangered or extirpated.

Bald Eagles are enormous birds. The wings, wide and long for soaring, span more than 2 m. Perched, an individual measures about 76 cm tall. Weights of over 7 kg are not uncommon. On average, females are larger than males, and juveniles are larger but lighter in weight than adults of the same sex. Bald Eagles that breed in the southern United States are smaller than birds that breed farther north.

The plumage of the males is the same as that of the females. Adults have a dark brown (almost black) body that contrasts sharply with the white feathers on the head and tail, and the yellow beak, eyes, and legs. It takes a young Bald Eagle four or five years to achieve this distinctive coloration. Until then, bird watchers may confuse it with other birds, such as the Turkey Vulture and Golden Eagle.

Bald Eagles can see three or four times farther than people, an obvious advantage to a bird that hunts and scavenges. To kill and handle prey, Bald Eagles have massive beaks, large talons, and oversize feet equipped with small spikes, called spicules. They probably hear about as well as humans do, but their senses of taste and smell are poorly developed. Bald Eagles do not have a wide range of calls. Their voice, which carries long distances, sounds something like a gull's scream broken into a series of notes.