This is the American Bald Eagle

The bald eagle is a large, powerful, brown bird with a white head and tail. The word "bald" does not mean that this bird has no feathers on its head. Instead, the word bald comes from the word piebald, an old word, meaning "marked with white."

The bald eagle was made the national bird of the United States in 1782. The image of the bald eagle can be found in many places in the U.S., such as on the Great Seal, the President's flag, and on the one-dollar bill.

Why was the bald eagle chosen as our national symbol? Our country wanted to choose an animal that was special to the United States. It is not found in any other country. The bald eagle also makes people think of strength, courage, and freedom when they see it.