Discover the Majestic Bald Eagle: Top 13 Fun Facts to Unveil America's Iconic Symbol!

1. Group Text Talons

If the bald eagle were to send a group text, it'd probably say, "Just got my talons done: an olive branch on the left and 13 arrows on the right!" In all seriousness, the bald eagle on the Great Seal of the United States holds an olive branch and 13 arrows to symbolize peace and readiness for war in times of need. To top off the colonial fashion sense, 13 stars sit above the eagle with 13 stripes in the shield, surrounded by 13 olives and leaves in its right claw. These carefully designed elements were unanimously given a 'like' by Congress on June 20, 1782.
Source => bensguide.gpo.gov

2. LinkedIn Profile Star

If the bald eagle had a LinkedIn profile, it would surely flaunt its role as the star of the Great Seal of the United States – because who wouldn't want an olive branch and arrows in their talons, plus the mysterious Eye of Providence on their resume? But alas, this avian celebrity can't claim fame on U.S. coins and passports: This unyielding symbol of patriotic authority dutifully authenticates American documents, with both sides of the seal adorning the reverse of the one-dollar bill since 1935.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

Did you know that America's favorite feathered couple, the Bald Eagles, perform a breathtaking airshow dance called the Eagle Tango during mating season? They lock talons, flip, and spin before separating at the last second! Discover more about this incredible lovebird extravaganza!

=> Fun Facts about Eagles

3. Criminal Record Eagles

If bald eagles had a criminal record, they'd have a rap sheet full of kleptomania charges and dumpster-diving incidents: despite their penchant for food theft and scavenging, these magnificent winged felons primarily sustain themselves through their accomplished fishing skills, taking a special liking to salmon and trout in coastal and freshwater habitats.
Source => oceana.org

4. Ben Franklin Bird Watcher

If Ben Franklin were a bird watcher, he'd be a turkey fan: Contrary to the popular myth, he didn't actually propose the turkey as America's national bird but did reveal his admiration for its courage and native status in a letter to his daughter, while dissing the bald eagle's character.
Source => fi.edu

5. Bachelor Pad Destiny Date

Once upon a time in a bald eagle's bachelor pad, our feathery friend was busy flexing his talons, choosing between peaceful olive branches and fierce arrows for his very important date with destiny: In 1782, Charles Thomson, secretary of Congress, combined ideas from three committees to create the final design of the Great Seal of the United States, featuring the American bald eagle firmly grasping an olive branch and arrows, with a shield of thirteen alternating red and white stripes – an iconic design that remains unchanged to this day.
Source => americanrevolutioninstitute.org

6. Impressive Wingspan Knock Knock

Knock knock, who's there? It's the bald eagle with a wingspan that could practically high-five you on both sides of your doorframe: These majestic creatures can boast an impressive wingspan of up to 80 inches, with the females being even larger by reaching body lengths of up to 3 feet and wingspans of up to 8 feet, making them one of the largest birds soaring over North America.
Source => kids.nationalgeographic.com

7. Endangered 90's Pop Comeback

Eagles making a comeback like a 90's pop band: The bald eagle was once on the verge of being wiped out in the contiguous United States in the late 20th century, but thanks to diligent conservation efforts and a ban on harmful pesticides, this regal avian symbol has taken flight and soared once more! In fact, they were removed from the endangered species list in 2007 and can now be spotted in every continental state and province across the United States and Canada, rockin' on like true national icons.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

8. Beak and Seal Symbolism

You know what they say: if you can't stand the beak, get out of the seal! Behind this feathery play on words hides America's majestic symbol, poised between peace and war: The bald eagle on the Great Seal of the United States proudly holds a scroll bearing the Latin phrase "E Pluribus Unum" in its beak, while clutching an olive branch and a bundle of arrows in its talons. This iconic imagery, approved by the Continental Congress in 1782, creatively includes thirteen stars and stripes, paying tribute to the original colonies.
Source => bensguide.gpo.gov

9. Aerial Lovebirds

Lovebirds in the sky, literally: Bald eagles engage in breathtaking aerial displays and melodramatic communication during courtship, forming monogamous bonds lasting over two decades, building enormous nests together, and staying put in their love nest territory for life.
Source => chipperbirds.com

10. Soaring American Embodiment

With wings broader than an NBA player's outstretched arms and a demeanor that screams "I'm not bald, I'm just stressing over America's future," the bald eagle soars through the skies as a living embodiment of freedom: This feathery symbol of the United States boasts an impressive wingspan ranging from 5.11 feet to 7.7 feet, making it the second-largest bird in North America, with the ladies sporting even longer wingspans than their male counterparts to efficiently hunt different prey sizes and avoid dinner table drama.
Source => avianreport.com

11. Holy Baptism of Eagles

Who knew America's national bird had a holy baptism? It turns out artistic renderings of the bald eagle come complete with a splash of holy water and a side of rebirth: The Physiologus, a Christian text, inspired the adoption of the bald eagle as the emblem of America, connecting the bird's mythological act of flying into the sun to restore its youth with the concept of being born again through Christ's light, making it an ideal representation of the nation's divine power and military might.
Source => blogs.getty.edu

12. Superhero Bald Eagle

Just imagine America's fierce mascot, the bald eagle, as a multitasking superhero with an olive branch and arrows in hand, quietly whispering "I come in peace, but I can mess you up": The presidential seal features a bald eagle carrying an olive branch and a bundle of thirteen arrows, symbolizing the president's duty to pursue peace and defend the nation, with the "E pluribus unum" motto and the shield representing the unity of the original thirteen states.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

13. Protected Eagles like T-Swift's Heart

Much like Taylor Swift's heart, Bald Eagles remain one of America's most protected treasures: The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940 makes it illegal to so much as borrow a feather without express permission, with violators facing jail time or fin(e)-tastic penalties!
Source => fws.gov