The majestic Bald Eagle has long been a symbol of freedom and strength since 1782. Only until recently it became our official national bird! On Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024 President Joe Biden signed it into law, it only took 242 years to make it official. Better late than never. However, the deal wasn’t sealed until it received the "stamp" of approval from the National Seal, also called the Great Seal, which proudly features our soaring raptor.
The eagle is a symbol of strength and power
The eagle has represented freedom and strength since ancient times, dating back to the Roman Empire (27 BC–476 AD), Today, the bald eagle holds a special place in American hearts—not just for its fierce beauty, but because it’s native to North America. You won’t find this iconic bird anywhere else in the world! With its piercing eyes and soaring wingspan, the bald eagle perfectly embodies the spirit of independence.
impressively striking from flying to nest building!
Despite its name, the Bald Eagle isn’t actually bald. Its impressively striking white head feathers contrast with its chocolate-brown body. With a wingspan of up to seven feet, this bird commands the skies like no other. No wonder the Bald Eagle continues to make an impression! They are also master architects. They hold the title for building the largest nests in North America. Their homes, called aeries, are made of twigs and branches that can weigh as much as a small car—up to 2,000 pounds!
When hunting, Bald Eagles soar at a leisure 40 miles per hour, often reaching altitudes of 10,000 feet. Their vision is truly eagle-eyed, spotting prey from up to two miles away. Once they lock onto a target, they dive at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, to snatch their favorite food fish, but will also grab other small mammals such as rabbits squirrels or even other birds. Hey! They won't even squwak at an easy roadkill! A meal is a meal!
A serious come back story
In its’ prime during the 18th century there were an estimated 500 thousand Bald Eagles soaring our skies. To any farmer during that time, they were a threat to their livestock. So shooting them down was to protect his or her farm. Over time, along with habitat loss and the use of DDT (a pesticide sprayed on agriculture to kill bugs) which weakened their eggshells further decimated their population. By the 1960s, only about 800 Bald Eagles remained.
Thanks to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and the banning of DDT, Bald Eagles received the protection they desperately needed. Conservationists established protected habitats and reintroduced eagles to areas they once thrived in. These efforts paid off, and today, their population has soared to over 300,000. Now that's a serious comeback story for our National Bird!
What Do You Think of Our National Bird?
The Bald Eagle’s journey from near extinction to thriving once again is nothing short of inspiring. This majestic creature now officially represents the United States, reminding us of the strength and resilience it symbolizes.
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