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The bald eagle holds a prominent position as the national bird and living symbol of the United States of America. As the nation’s official bird, adopted in 1782, the bald eagle is a recognizable figure that represents the country’s spirit of freedom and democracy. Over the last 200+ years, the bald eagle has grown to be an iconic part of American culture and history.
The bald eagle was chosen as the national bird because it represents strength, courage, freedom and immortality. These values reflect the principles on which America was founded and built. The bald eagle is the central symbol used in the Great Seal of the United States, which includes an eagle holding arrows and an olive branch. Images of the bald eagle can be found throughout American art, currency, government, architecture and more.
Physical Description
The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a large bird of prey that is native to North America. It is distinctive for its dark brown body and wings, white head and tail feathers, and massive yellow beak. An adult bald eagle typically reaches 28-38 inches in length and has a wingspan of 6-7 feet. Females tend to be larger than males.
The term “bald” in the eagle’s name refers to the white head feathers, not a lack of hair. Young bald eagles have mottled brown and white feathers until they reach maturity at 4-5 years old. Their lifespan in the wild is approximately 20-30 years.
Bald eagles use their excellent vision and massive talons to catch fish, their primary food source. They are powerful fliers that can dive at speeds up to 100 mph. Bald eagles mate for life and build nests high up in trees near water. They lay 1-3 eggs per year and share parenting duties.
Historical Significance
Native Americans tribes considered the bald eagle a sacred bird and used its feathers in rituals. When European colonists arrived in North America in the early 1700s, they were impressed by the breadth and numbers of bald eagles. As the new settlers fought the Revolutionary War and sought independence, they were inspired by attributes of the bald eagle.
In 1782, after winning independence from Britain, the founding fathers of the United States debated which bird should represent the new nation. The bald eagle soon emerged as the popular choice because it was powerful, courageous, and lived only in North America.
On June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress adopted a resolution stating:
“Resolved, that the bald eagle…shall be the national emblem of the United States of America.”
Ever since, the bald eagle has symbolized freedom, strength, spirit, fierceness, and America’s authority. It remains one of the most recognizable national symbols in the world.
Near Extinction and Recovery
For centuries after European settlement, America’s bald eagle population was abundant and spread across the continent. But in the mid-1900s, bald eagle numbers dramatically declined due to hunting, habitat loss, and the use of pesticides like DDT.
DDT poisoned eagles by making their eggshells too thin and brittle to withstand incubation. The chemical interfered with calcium metabolism. By 1963, only about 400 mating pairs of bald eagles remained in the lower 48 states. Bald eagles neared extinction.
In 1940, Congress passed the Bald Eagle Protection Act, prohibiting commercial trapping and killing of the birds. In 1967, bald eagles were declared an endangered species under a precursor to the Endangered Species Act. Then in 1972, DDT was banned in the U.S.
With these protections in place, bald eagles began a slow recovery across North America. By 1995, populations had rebounded enough for bald eagles to be reclassified as threatened instead of endangered. Finally in 2007, as numbers climbed to almost 10,000 mating pairs, the Department of Interior removed bald eagles from the endangered species list.
Today, bald eagle resurgence is considered one of America’s greatest conservation success stories. While no longer endangered, bald eagles remain protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Their population and habitat continue to be closely monitored.
Importance as National Symbol
The bald eagle retains an elevated status in American society, representing freedom, power, independence, and prestige. Images of the bald eagle can be found in many official seals, on currency, flag poles, postage stamps, and more. The bald eagle appears on most official seals of the U.S. government, including:
- Presidential Seal
- Seal of the President of the United States Senate
- Seal of the United States Congress
- Seal of the United States Supreme Court
- Seal of the Department of Commerce
- Seal of the Environmental Protection Agency
- Seal of the Department of Labor
The bald eagle has been used in official and unofficial imagery for centuries. During World War II, the bald eagle was put on posters to encourage patriotism and national pride. Sports teams and corporations today continue to use the bald eagle as a symbol of America’s strength.
As the national bird for over 200 years, the bald eagle remains an enduring symbol of the U.S., representing freedom, power and democracy. It epitomizes the American spirit and national identity. The bald eagle will likely maintain this stately position for centuries to come.
Year | Status | Bald Eagle Population | Legal Protections |
---|---|---|---|
1776 | Common | Est. 100,000-500,000 | No federal protections |
1940 | Declining | Unknown | Bald Eagle Protection Act |
1967 | Endangered | 417 breeding pairs | Listed as endangered species |
1972 | Endangered | 764 breeding pairs | DDT banned |
1995 | Recovering | 5,748 breeding pairs | Status changed to threatened |
2007 | Recovered | 9,789 breeding pairs | Removed from endangered species list |
2023 | Protected | Over 300,000 total birds | Federal laws protect habitat and prohibit killing |
Cultural Significance
Beyond official symbols, the bald eagle features prominently in American art, literature, music, and film. Images of the bald eagle can be found in patriotic folk art from the nation’s early days. In paintings, photographs, posters, and advertisements, the bald eagle represents core American values.
Notable examples of bald eagles in culture include:
- Poetry by Walt Whitman
- Novels by Ernest Hemingway
- Photography of Ansel Adams
- Sculptures by Andrew O’Connor
- Logos for companies like Jeep, Mobil Oil, and the U.S. Postal Service
- Depictions in Hollywood films like The Patriot and Independence Day
- Appearances on flags, stamps, coinage, and official regalia
For Native American tribes, the bald eagle retains spiritual meaning and sacred power. Many tribes tell legends about how the eagle received its white head or how it acts a messenger to the Creator. Tribes incorporate eagle feathers into rituals, dances, and attire.
By instilling national pride and identity, and representing core values like freedom, the iconic bald eagle holds a unique place in American hearts and culture. It epitomizes the history, spirit, and aspirations of the United States of America.
Conclusion
The bald eagle has served as an important national emblem of the United States for over 200 years. As the only eagle unique to North America, it symbolizes independence, strength, spirit, freedom and prestige. The bald eagle represents America itself.
Chosen in 1782 by the founding fathers, the bald eagle on the Great Seal signifies the values on which America was built. After facing near extinction from hunting and pesticides in the mid-1900s, bald eagle populations have flourished again, representing an inspirational conservation success story.
Today around 300,000 bald eagles live across North America. The species remains protected by federal laws and closely monitored. As the enduring national bird, the bald eagle is woven into the cultural fabric of American society. It appears on official seals, flags, stamps, coinage and more. Images of the bald eagle provoke national pride and identity.
The bald eagle will continue to symbolize the ideals, resilience and spirit of the United States. No other bird is better suited to represent freedom and democracy for America. The bald eagle exemplifies the power, determination and courage of the nation it represents.