When it comes to hunting, the bald eagle's most important assets are its eyes, its talons, and its exceptional diving speed. Eagle vision is about six times stronger than that of humans. In addition, transparent nictitating membranes on their eyes allow eagles to “blink” without losing sight of prey for even a moment. The eagle's claws are its key tool for hunting, nest building and more. Composed of three front toes and one back toe, all tipped with long keratinous talons, its claws are connected to tendons in the eagle's legs and feet that allow it to clamp down on captured prey with crushing force. Once the hunter has spotted the day's catch, it will dive at speeds in excess of 120 kilometres per hour, snatching its prey from the water or ground with lightning speed. The eagle later uses a claw to hold its catch while tearing at it with its sharp curved beak to eat.
SPECIFICATIONS
Mintage 7500
Composition 99.99% fine silver
Finis hproof
Weight (g) 31.39
Diameter (mm) 38
Edge plain with edge lettering
Certificat eserialized
Face value 20 dollars
Artist Claudio D'Angelo (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)