The Bald Eagle has long been synonymous with American ideals of freedom and strength. Its image graces the Great Seal of the United States, official documents, military insignia, and currency. However, it wasn't until December 24, 2024, that the Bald Eagle was officially designated as the national bird of the United States.

The journey to this official recognition spans nearly 250 years. In 1782, the Bald Eagle was adopted as the central image on the Great Seal, symbolizing the nation's ideals. Despite this prominent placement, no formal legislation had ever declared the Bald Eagle as the national bird. This oversight persisted until President Joe Biden signed the bill into law on Christmas Eve 2024, amending the United States Code to include the Bald Eagle's official status.

The legislation was introduced by Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, a state renowned for its significant Bald Eagle population. The bill received bipartisan support, reflecting a unified acknowledgment of the Bald Eagle's symbolic importance. 

Historically, the Bald Eagle's selection as a national emblem was not without debate. Benjamin Franklin famously criticized the choice, favoring the Wild Turkey instead. In a letter to his daughter, Franklin described the Bald Eagle as a bird of "bad moral character," expressing his preference for the turkey, which he deemed more respectable.

Beyond its symbolic role, the Bald Eagle's conservation story is remarkable. By the mid-20th century, factors like habitat destruction, hunting, and pesticide use had driven the species to the brink of extinction. Conservation efforts, including the banning of DDT and legal protections, facilitated a significant recovery. In 2007, the Bald Eagle was removed from the threatened and endangered species list, and by 2020, the Bald Eagle population had reached approximately 316,700 individuals, a testament to successful preservation initiatives.

The official designation of the Bald Eagle as the national bird not only corrects a historical oversight but also reinforces the nation's commitment to preserving its natural heritage. As Jack Davis, co-chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center, aptly stated, "For nearly 250 years, we called the Bald Eagle the national bird when it wasn't. But now the title is official, and no bird is more deserving."

This formal recognition ensures that the Bald Eagle's legacy as a symbol of American freedom and resilience is enshrined for future generations.

The Martial Eagle is one of Africa's most powerful and impressive birds of prey. As the largest eagle in Africa by weight, it’s a formidable predator known for its strength, keen eyesight, and adaptability. With its striking appearance and commanding presence, it has earned a reputation as a top apex predator in its habitat.

Martial Eagles are massive, with a wingspan reaching nearly 8 feet (!) and a body length of 31-38 inches. Their plumage is a striking contrast of dark brown upperparts and a white underside covered with dark spots. Their piercing yellow eyes and strong, hooked beak complete the look of a powerful hunter.

These eagles are found across sub-Saharan Africa, occupying a variety of habitats including savannas, woodlands, and open plains. They prefer areas with tall trees or rocky outcrops for nesting and open spaces for hunting. Despite their adaptability, their population is declining due to habitat loss and human conflict.

Martial Eagles are exceptional hunters, preying on a wide range of animals including birds, reptiles, and mammals. They are known to take down prey as large as small antelope and monitor lizards. Their hunting technique involves soaring high in the sky while scanning the ground with their extraordinary vision, then diving down at high speed to snatch unsuspecting prey.

These eagles are solitary and territorial. They build large nests made of sticks, often located in tall trees or on cliffs. A pair may reuse the same nest for many years, adding new material each breeding season. Females typically lay one egg, which she incubates while the male provides food. The chick fledges after about 100 days but may depend on its parents for several more months.

Unfortunately, Martial Eagles are classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Their numbers are declining due to habitat destruction, hunting, and poisoning by farmers who mistakenly believe they threaten livestock. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, public education, and reducing human-wildlife conflict.

The Martial Eagle’s strength, elegance, and role as a top predator make it a symbol of wilderness and power in Africa’s wild landscapes. Its continued survival depends on ongoing conservation efforts to protect its habitats and reduce threats from humans.

When a lot of our readers think about eagles, they might be thinking about the iconic and familiar symbol of the United States, the Bald Eagle. Did you know that there are more than 60 recognized species of eagle? This cosmopolitan group of birds is found on every continent except Antarctica. Eagles belong to the taxonomic family Accipitridae, a group of birds of prey that also includes hawks, kites, and harriers. 

Eagles are known for their powerful build, sharp talons, and keen eyesight. These magnificent birds of prey have captured human imagination for centuries. Eagles are diverse and fascinating. Here are some amazing facts about these majestic birds.

Size (Difference) Matters

In every species of eagle, female birds trend larger than males. This sexual dimorphism makes telling males from females, even in species where the plumage between the two is the same, relatively easy --especially if you've got a scale available!

Visionary Prowess

Eagles are famous for their extraordinary eyesight. The Wedge-tailed Eagle's eyesight is estimated to be two times better than a human's vision. This is thanks in part to extremely large pupils that minimize the scattering of light. Fantastic daytime vision allows them to spot prey from several kilometers away. Their eyes are specially adapted for acute depth perception and color recognition.

Impressive Hunters

Most eagles are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of their food chain. They use their sharp talons and powerful beaks to hunt and kill prey, which can include fish, small mammals, and other birds. While they are opportunistic feeders, most eagles hunt live prey, including fish, birds, small mammals, and even reptiles. Their sharp, hooked beaks allow them to tear through flesh easily, while their talons are designed to grip and crush their catch. Some species, like the Philippine Eagle, have been known to hunt animals as large as monkeys!

As apex predators, eagles play crucial roles in maintaining healthy ecosystems. They help control populations of fish, mammals, and birds, ensuring that these populations don’t grow too large. Additionally, eagles often scavenge on dead animals, helping to clean up their habitats. By playing both predator and scavenger roles, eagles contribute to the balance of their ecosystems.

Flying Globetrotters

As mentioned above, eagles are found on every continent around the world except for Antarctica. While eagles tend to prefer environments with wide, open spaces like mountains, forests, and coasts, some species are highly adaptable. For example, the White-tailed Eagle can be found across a range of habitats in Europe and Asia, from coastal areas to inland forests and even urban environments, as long as there is water (fresh or marine) nearby. However, different species have specific habitats; for example, the Harpy Eagle lives in the dense rainforests of Central and South America.

Powerful Symbols

Across various cultures and throughout history, eagles have been symbols of power, freedom, and victory. In the United States, the Bald Eagle has been the national emblem since 1782, representing freedom and strength. The eagle also plays a prominent role in the mythology of ancient cultures, including Native American, Roman, and Greek traditions. In ancient Rome, the eagle was associated with Jupiter, the king of the gods, and was used as a symbol of imperial power. 

Eagles are the national birds of several other countries across the world. The Golden Eagle represents Albania, Germany, Mexico, Scotland and others. The African Fish Eagle is the national bird of Namibia, while the Harpy Eagle is the avian emblem of Panama. I bet you can guess which country considers the Philippine Eagle to be its national bird!

What's In a Name?

Several groups of eagles have a modifier in the name, including the Serpent-Eagles, Snake-Eagles, and Hawk-Eagles. Some species of owl, like the Eurasian Eagle-Owl, have the word eagle in their name, but they are not related to eagles.  And one species of eagle doesn't have the word eagle in their name at all: the Bateleur (a type of Snake-Eagle)!

Endangered and Abundant

One of the most endangered species of eagle is the Philippine Eagle This species is critically endangered due to extensive loss of habitat, hunting, and the impacts of pesticide use. Found only in the Philippines, this eagle has a very small population estimated at fewer than 500 individuals remaining in the wild.

On the other hand, the Bald Eagle is often cited as a symbol of conservation success due to its impressive recovery from near extinction in several areas. This recovery is largely attributed to intensive conservation efforts, including the banning of the pesticide DDT in the United States, which had a devastating impact on the eagle's reproduction. There has been an incredible 779% increase in the Bald Eagle population in North America in the last 40 years.

Size Matters

The largest species of eagle depends on what metrics are taken into account, whether weight, length, or wingspan. On average, the Philippine Eagle is the heaviest species at around 8.3kg (18.25lbs), and also commands the largest length at 100cm (3'3"). The White-tailed Eagle boasts the largest wingspan at 218.5cm (7'2"). The Steller's Sea Eagle is the only species to appear in the top five of all three metrics. 

The smallest species of eagle is the aptly-named Little Eagle, a bird of prey found in Australia. These little cuties are about the same size as a Peregrine Falcon.

Eagles are truly remarkable birds, with their sharp hunting skills, incredible vision, and powerful flight. Whether soaring high in the sky or guarding their nests, they continue to captivate people all over the world.