The Haliaeetus leucocephalus, commonly known as the bald eagle, is native to North America. It is predominantly found in Canada, the contiguous United States, and northern Mexico.

Bald eagles typically inhabit areas near large bodies of open water with abundant food supply and old-growth trees for nesting. They prefer environments such as lakes, reservoirs, rivers, marshes, and coastal habitats. The climate in these regions can vary widely, but eagles favor areas where water bodies do not completely freeze in winter.

Bald eagles are apex predators and primarily feed on fish, making them important contributors to the aquatic food web. Their presence often indicates a healthy ecosystem with a stable fish population. They use their keen eyesight and powerful talons to catch prey, and are known for scavenging opportunities, like feeding on carrion or the kills of other wildlife.