The animal in the American Eagle Outfitters logo is an eagle.
The name and emblem are closely tied to the company’s American identity. American Eagle Outfitters was founded in 1977 as a casual clothing retailer, and its branding uses an eagle as a straightforward visual expression of the “American Eagle” name. The logo is typically presented as a stylized bird mark rather than a detailed wildlife illustration.
A common mix-up is confusing the logo with another bird of prey, especially a hawk. Eagles and hawks are both raptors, but the company’s emblem is specifically an eagle. The bird also should not be confused with the American Eagle airline brand, which uses the same words in a different commercial context.
American Eagle Outfitters is often shortened to AE, while its parent company is commonly known as AEO. The retailer also operates Aerie, a separate brand focused on intimates, activewear and lifestyle clothing.