Did you know that the USA's national bird, bald eagle, isn’t actually bald?
Every country has its own symbols which are intrinsic to its identity and rich cultural heritage. For example, India is known to the world by its national flag, state emblem, the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka, national animal, tiger or the national bird, peacock. Just like us, the United States of America also has a national bird, the bald eagle, which is scientifically known as Haliaeetus leucocephalus. Bald eagles inhabit places like Alaska, Canada, and northern Mexico. In other words, these birds are native to North America only.
Interestingly, these magnificent carnivores were an endangered species, thanks to their plummeting numbers, triggered by the use of a pesticide called dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT). They were bred in captivity in the 1990s. Luckily, they regained numbers and were removed from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants in 2007. But wait, is bald eagle really bald? Why is it chosen as the USA’s national bird? Come, let’s find out.
Why bald eagle?
According to the US National Archives, a bald eagle drawing was handed to the newly constituted Congress in 1782. The intention was to use the bird as a symbol of America. It was instantly approved, and olive branches and arrows were soon included in the eagle's sharp, hooked claws. The olive branch and arrows signified peace and war, respectively. Five years later (1787), the bald eagle was formally chosen as the national bird of the United States. Now, you can see why the bald eagle features so prominently on official papers, currency, flags, public buildings, and other items associated with the American government. In addition, both the military and government businesses use it on their stationery.
You might wonder why the bald eagle was chosen as the national symbol. Well, it was because of its association with power and statehood. In fact, eagles have represented government authority since Roman times. However, there have been major controversies about choosing bald eagle as the USA’s national emblem. Benjamin Franklinn, an 18th century American scientist, author and political philosopher, had written in a letter to his friend:
“I wish the bald eagle had not been chosen as the representative of our country; he is a bird of bad moral character; like those among men who live by sharping and robbing, he is generally poor, and often very lousy. The turkey is a much more respectable bird and withal a true, original native of America.”
However, there was difference of opinion among experts and politicians about this crucial choice. Much like other eagles, bald eagles have been viewed as symbols of eternal strength, courage, freedom and immortality.
President John F. Kennedy once wrote to The National Audubon Society, an American non-profit environmental organization dedicated to conservation of birds and their habitats:
“The Founding Fathers made an appropriate choice when they selected the bald eagle as the emblem of the nation. The fierce beauty and proud independence of this great bird aptly symbolizes the strength and freedom of America. But as latter-day citizens we shall fail our trust if we permit the eagle to disappear.”
Bald eagles have got hair!
Well, it’s surprising but true. Bald eagles are not really bald. But, then, why are they called so? A bald eagle may appear to be bald due to its white head. However, the term derives from the old English word ‘"balde’", which means ‘white’.
Fact File
- Female bald eagles are larger than their male counterparts.
- Bald eagles can swim! They simply move their wings in a rowing motion which looks pretty much similar to a butterfly stroke.
- Bald eagles reserve excess food in a a muscular pouch just below their throat. Known as crop, this pouch looks like a bulge from the outside.