I realize that this is probably a stupid question with an obvious answer, but one that I genuinely don't know. (perhaps because I am a transplant from the UK where such magnificent creatures don't fly free, so I never saw any in my younger years). So the question is, why are these birds called "bald eagles", when they are so obviously not "bald", In fact they sport quite a magnificent crown? And I know it's quite possible that I am the only person who doesn't know the answer, and could ask Mr Google for the answer, but I'm curious to know if I really am the last person in the dark, or if any others don't know either. Please, no cheating, just fess up if you don't know why they carry that contradictory name, and then an explanation to explain it would be great. Thanks guys, please don't let it be only me!