American Eagle Day, celebrated every year on June 20, honors one of the United States’s most iconic symbols: the bald eagle. This majestic bird has long been associated with strength, freedom, and national pride, appearing on everything from the Great Seal to U.S. currency.
This day is an opportunity to recognize the bird’s role in American history and its remarkable comeback from near extinction. Many people use this day to learn more about bald eagles, support conservation efforts, or simply enjoy nature. Some even mark the occasion with eagle-themed clothing and accessories, like patriotic shirts, as a nod to its symbolic importance.
In celebration of American Eagle Day, here are five fun and educational facts about the bald eagle that highlight why it continues to inspire admiration across the country.
1. Bald Eagles Weren’t Always Protected
Despite their revered status today, bald eagles once faced serious threats to their survival. Throughout much of the 20th century, the population declined rapidly due to habitat destruction, illegal hunting, and the widespread use of pesticides like DDT. By the early 1960s, the species was on the brink of extinction in the contiguous United States.
Conservation efforts gained momentum following the 1972 ban on DDT and the introduction of stronger environmental protections under laws like the Endangered Species Act. Thanks to coordinated recovery programs and public awareness campaigns, bald eagle populations began to rebound. In 2007, they were officially removed from the federal Endangered Species List.
Their recovery is widely regarded as a conservation success story. It serves as a reminder of the impact of human activity on wildlife and the potential to reverse that impact through collective effort.
2. They Don’t Actually Sound Majestic
Bald eagles may look fierce and imposing, but their vocalizations tell a different story. Contrary to popular belief, their natural call is not a mighty screech but a series of high-pitched, squeaky whistles. The contrast between their appearance and sound often surprises people.
Because the real call lacks dramatic punch, movies and TV shows frequently dub in the cry of a red-tailed hawk instead. This Hollywood substitution has shaped how many people imagine eagles sound, even if it’s inaccurate. Still, their real voice is another fascinating aspect of their unique biology.
3. Bald Eagles Aren’t Actually Bald
The term “bald eagle” can be misleading, as these birds aren’t bald at all! In fact, they have a full head of white feathers. The word “bald” comes from an older English term, “balde,” which meant white or marked with white. This refers to the bird’s distinct contrast between its dark brown body and bright white head and tail.
This coloring doesn’t appear until bald eagles reach maturity, typically around five years of age. Younger eagles are mostly brown with speckled white markings, which can make them difficult to identify. Once mature, their appearance becomes unmistakable.
Their striking coloration makes them visually impressive and plays a role in communication and mating. A mature bald eagle’s plumage signals strength and experience, which are attractive to potential mates.
4. They’re Powerful Flyers With Massive Wingspans
Bald eagles are built for impressive flight. With wingspans ranging from six to seven and a half feet, they can soar to altitudes of 10,000 feet and reach speeds of up to 35 to 40 miles per hour. When diving to catch prey, they can even accelerate to speeds exceeding 75 miles per hour.
Their large wings allow them to glide effortlessly on thermal currents, conserving energy during long-distance travel. This capability is crucial for migratory populations, which may travel hundreds or thousands of miles between breeding and wintering grounds.
Watching a bald eagle in flight is an awe-inspiring sight that underscores why the bird was chosen as a national emblem. Their grace and power in the air reflect the qualities the Founding Fathers hoped to associate with the country itself.
5. They Build the Largest Tree Nests in North America
When it comes to nesting, bald eagles go big. Their nests, called eyries, are typically constructed in tall trees near bodies of water. These massive structures are often five to six feet in diameter and two to four feet deep. Some long-used nests have weighed over a ton.
Eagles reuse and add to their nests each year, making them grow larger over time. Nesting season usually begins in late winter, and both parents share responsibilities, including incubating eggs and feeding chicks.
Soar Into Celebration
American Eagle Day is the perfect time to learn more about this remarkable national symbol. From massive wingspans to powerful nesting habits, the bald eagle continues to inspire Americans from coast to coast. Celebrate its legacy this holiday and consider how your national pride can take flight.