They ruled the skies on seven foot wingspans when 17th-century Europeans arrived in North America. Throughout the continent, half a million bald eagles may have soared. With their fierce and ferocious eyes, regal coloring, aerial and acrobatic abilities, a wingspan up to 90 inches allowing them to soar on the updrafts of wind up to 20,000 feet above the earth (they are the only birds that intentionally fly above the clouds to avoid the rain), the griping strength of their talons (exerting upwards of 400 pounds per square inch), and hunting speeds of up to 100 mph, bald eagles are ranked among the planet's most spectacular birds.