pygargue à tête blanche
/pi.ɡaʁ.ɡ‿a tɛt blɑ̃ʃ/masculine
The English phrase "bald eagle" is pygargue à tête blanche in French.
pygargue à tête blanche is the noun used to refer to the species of eagle native to North America.
Meaning: species of eagle native to North America (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Canada, the term pygargue à tête blanche is used to refer to the bald eagle.
How do you pronounce it?
/pi.ɡaʁ.ɡ‿a tɛt blɑ̃ʃ/
Did you know?
- The term pygargue is used specifically for sea eagles, distinguishing them from the aigle, which refers to other eagle species.
- The word tête in pygargue à tête blanche originally comes from the Latin word testa, which means a 'pot' or a 'brick'.
- While many people assume the bird is 'bald', the French name describes its 'white head' instead. This avoids the linguistic confusion that the bird is actually hairless.
Examples in context
- L'aigle chauve est un symbole national des États-Unis.The bald eagle is a national symbol of the United States.
- Regarde cet aigle à tête blanche en train de voler!Look at that bald eagle flying!
- Le pygargue à tête blanche survole le lac.The bald eagle is soaring over the lake.
- J'ai vu un pygargue à tête blanche hier.I saw a bald eagle yesterday.
- Le pygargue à tête blanche est un oiseau majestueux.The bald eagle is a majestic bird.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a nature documentary on television.
- LucasRegarde ce pygargue à tête blanche dans la vidéo.Look at that bald eagle in the video.
- ChloéIl est vraiment impressionnant, n'est-ce pas ?It is truly impressive, isn't it?
- LucasOui, c'est un magnifique pygargue à tête blanche.Yes, it is a magnificent bald eagle.
- ChloéJ'aimerais tellement le voir en vrai un jour.I would love to see it in real life one day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bald eagle” translations and entries pygargue à tête blanche, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pygargue, tête, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
