In Ohio, the bald eagle's stronghold is the marsh region of western Lake Erie. Nesting pairs also occur in northeast Ohio, along the Sandusky River, and in north-central Ohio. Several nesting pairs have moved farther inland recently, as far as Delaware and Coshocton counties. Non-breeding birds can be found anywhere in the state at anytime of the year.

The adult bald eagle is one of the most easily recognized species of wildlife. It has snow white feathers covering its head down to the neck area. The tail feathers of the mature bald eagle are also white. The body color is very dark brown, almost black. Yellow eyes, beak, and feet accent the bird's appearance. The white of the head and tail distinguish the fully mature eagle from immature birds of the species. Young eagles do not have this appearance until they reach the age of five or six years. Until that time, they are decidedly duller in appearance and, to the inexperienced observer, probably would not be recognized as a bald eagle. Immature eagles are almost uniformly dark brown from head to tail feather. Their undersides are mottled white with buff and cream blotches.

The sexes are alike in appearance. The voice of the bald eagle has been described as a high pitched, squeaky cackle or chatter.

The eagle is one of the largest birds in the raptor (bird of prey) or Accipitridae family. It is generally 34 to 43 inches long, weighs 10 to 12 pounds (females are the heavier of the species), and has a wingspan of six to seven and a half feet.