Crystal Palace have a new mascot - having unveiled Kayla the Eagle against Portsmouth last Tuesday.

The North American Bald Eagle becomes the new official live mascot having first appeared when West Brom came to Selhurst Park for the last home game last season.

She swooped around the stadium before kick-off and inspired the team to a 4-1 win following four straight league defeats.

Palace communications officer Chris Poynton set up the link between the Kent-based aviary Eagle Heights Wildlife Park, where Kayla is kept, and the club.

He said: "After the reaction from the fans, players and her handler Christopher Belsey against West Brom last season I felt it would be nice to honour Kayla and make her the official live mascot and I am looking forward to seeing her at various other times during the season."

"As soon as we got the call from the club we were more than willing to come down to Selhurst Park and help the Eagles," said Belsey.

"We were aware of the club's situation and how important the game against West Brom was not only on the night, but going into their final game of the season against Sheffield Wednesday.

"We were just happy to be a part of the fixture and for the club to survive after such a turbulent season was brilliant.

"Kayla has performed hundreds of times, but standing out on the pitch was something quite special as the crowd really took to Kayla and I could see that she was enjoying being out there.

"Underneath all of the lights and the atmosphere was nothing that I had or Kayla had ever experienced before.

"Kayla spends a lot of her days doing educational displays for the public and we have agreed with the club that when the times and dates are right we will come down to Selhurst Park for various games during the 2010/11 season."

Kayla is 21-years-old and has a two meter wingspan.

Originally stolen from the wild in Canada as a chick she came to Eagle Heights at the age of seven as no one else would take her on due to her being so aggressive, but has mellowed now.