Majestic, commanding, and sharp-eyed are some of the many accurate words used to describe America’s bald eagles. These large birds of prey boast sharp talons, keen eyesight, massive wingspans, and impressive soaring capabilities. Unfortunately, there are times in history when they were deeply misunderstood. Read on to learn how these intriguing symbols of power ultimately gained the great significance they deserve.
Bald eagles were once an endangered species due to pesticide use. Thanks to conservation efforts and the federal government’s ban on DDT, their populations have rebounded. Though removed from the federal endangered species list in 2007, bald eagles remain somewhat threatened due to ingestion of lead from fishing tackle and ammunition in carrion, habitat loss, and wind turbine collisions. Now living in the wild as a protected species, bald eagles can be spotted in various locations across North America.
Bald eagles are a longstanding patriotic symbol of our country, yet they were void of any official recognition until recently. Despite appearing on the Great Seal of our country since 1782 and being imprinted on money and military insignias, the white-headed creatures remained unacknowledged for decades. In fact, bison were officially recognized as the U.S. national mammal in 2016 as part of the National Bison Legacy Act – ahead of any formal designation for the majestic bald eagle. Finally, in December 2024, the bald eagle was officially declared the national bird of the United States.
Native Americans placed immense importance on eagles by viewing them as symbols of strength, connections to the divine, and sacred messengers between the human and the spiritual world. But eagles also carry an unfortunate history of being misunderstood. Based on interpretations, some cultures equate eagles with dominance and oppression or other negative connotations. On occasion, some farmers expressed concerns over potential destruction to crops and livestock due to eagles, leading to an undeserved negative perception that is hard to shake. Even the drafter and signer of the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin, criticized the majestic, feathered creatures for being lazy and opportunistic.
People often mistakenly recount that Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird, but the story is a myth. Although Franklin was appointed to a committee by the Continental Congress to help design a seal for the United States, and he played a role in selecting the emblem, the national turkey tale was debunked. Per The Franklin Institute, “The false story began due to a letter Franklin wrote to his daughter criticizing the original eagle design for the great seal, saying that it looked more like a turkey.” Franklin penned, “Bald Eagle…is a Bird of bad moral Character. He does not get his Living honestly…(he) is too lazy to fish for himself.” Though he defended the honor of the turkey over the bald eagle, he did not propose the turkey as a national symbol.
There are common misconceptions that exist about bald eagles. Here are three common mistruths:
Eagle symbols date to early times and prominently appeared in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In the U.S., Native Americans have a longstanding appreciation of the majestic creatures. Public affection for the mighty American bald eagle expanded with the creation of the Great Seal of the United States, approved by the Congress of the Confederation on June 20, 1782.
The front of the seal features an American Eagle with open wings and a banner which reads ‘E pluribus unum,’ meaning “Out of many, one.” Per Antique Hardware Supply, “The eagle is also shown clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons, symbolizing the country’s desire for peace but readiness for war.” The American eagle soon became a popular element in American homes, showcased on weathervanes, porch railings, flagpoles, and other decorative adornments, mainly to demonstrate love of country as well as pride and patriotism.
Spotting a soaring bald eagle in flight is an amazing sight to behold. Adirondack Almanack shares information on eagles and courting rituals, describing, “…spectacular flight displays, with dives, swoops, and aerial acrobatics in which eagles clutch each other’s talons and tumble through the air.” Immature bald eagles are sometimes difficult to recognize. They are confused with golden eagles, smaller birds of prey, mainly due to the lack of white heads and tail feathers that appear with maturity. During their first year, young eagles may grow expansive feathers to provide lift and compensation for underdeveloped muscles, sometimes making them appear larger than their parents. Eagles are known to live long as compared to some other birds, with an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years in the wild, and possibly longer in captivity.
The powerful bald eagle is found exclusively in North America. Its uniqueness, regal beauty, and strength make it the ideal symbol for the United States. Bald eagles are strong, bold, powerful, and beautiful to watch – soaring over lakes and treetops, divebombing for fish, or perching high atop branches and nests. Whether seeing an eagle in person or witnessing their images on currency, official documents, or military insignia, the American Bald Eagle embodies many wonderous things to include power, courage, fortitude, freedom, and longevity. Fittingly, U.S. citizens are grateful for the recent recognition of the national bird in 2024, with most agreeing that official acknowledgement was long overdue.
Read more on AMAC – The Association of Mature American Citizens
