The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States and appears on its Great Seal.
The bald eagle is a North American sea eagle recognized by its white head and tail, dark brown body, and yellow bill and feet. The word “bald” comes from an older meaning of white-headed, not from baldness. Juveniles lack the adult’s white head and tail and develop them gradually as they mature.
The eagle became the national emblem of the United States in 1782. It appears on the Great Seal holding an olive branch and arrows, symbols traditionally interpreted as peace and war. The design also includes a shield and the motto E pluribus unum.
Bald eagle numbers fell sharply during the twentieth century because of habitat loss, shooting, and the effects of the pesticide DDT. Protection under U.S. law and the banning of DDT helped the population recover. The species was removed from the U.S. Endangered Species list in 2007.