What bird is on the flag of American Samoa?

A bald eagle is on the flag of American Samoa. It appears inside a white triangle edged in red, holding a Samoan war club and fly-whisk in its talons.

The eagle represents American Samoa’s political relationship with the United States, whose national bird is the bald eagle. The war club, or uatogi, symbolizes governmental power and the ability to defend the community. The fly-whisk, called a fue, represents the wisdom and authority of traditional Samoan chiefs.

American Samoa’s flag was adopted on April 17, 1960, replacing the U.S. flag as the territory’s official flag. Its red, white, and blue colors connect American and Samoan traditions, while the two blue sections represent districts on Tutuila and the white section represents the Manuʻa District.

A common mix-up is assuming the bird must be native to the islands. Bald eagles do not live in American Samoa; the bird is a political and symbolic emblem rather than a local species. The flag’s design also echoes imagery associated with the Great Seal of the United States.