That really is spread-eagled: The amazing moment a bird of prey does a loop-the-loop

Oops! Is it Eddie the Eagle? This bald eagle may look like he's falling out of the sky - but he's actually performing a dazzling flying display, flipping upside down in mid air.

The talented creature demonstrated his incredible acrobatic skills as he soared at 200 feet.

The extraordinary spectacle was captured on camera by Pam Mullins close to her home in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada.

Flipping spectacular: This bald eagle appeared to fly upside down as it performed during a mid-air display

Flipping spectacular: This bald eagle appeared to fly upside down as it performed during a mid-air display

The 49-year-old production manager said she had spent years trying to photograph the incredible acrobatic act and was delighted with her snap.

She added: 'What you see in that photo happens in a split second, it's not an accident but an acrobatic manoeuvre used by eagles for different reasons.

'Sometimes it's used when the bird spots a fish or other food - it will do this mid air flip and nose dive towards it.

'Another reason is a mating ritual: Every year eagle do a dating dance where they clasp talons and free fall towards the ground.

Display: The extraordinary spectacle was captured on camera by Pam Mullins close to her home in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada

Display: The extraordinary spectacle was captured on camera by Pam Mullins close to her home in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada

'They also do this as a defence manoeuvre: If they are being attacked they will flip and this allows them to use their talons on their attacker.

'It is very hard to capture because it happens so fast.

'It is a spectacular sight to behold and I was just thrilled I was able to photograph this after years of trying.'

The bald eagle is an extremely powerful flier and uses thermal currents to soar through the air.

The species can reach speeds of up to 43 miles per hour while gliding and up to 99 miles per hour when diving.

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