In a message dated 8/19/98 4:05:11 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
writes:
<< How come that awful
name "Bald Eagle" persists anyway. It is not bald and it is not even a real
eagle. USA should be honest and rename it American (or White-headed)
Sea-Eagle. >>
Actually, both those names are among the common names for the bald eagle,
which is really, as you say, a sea-eagle. I find that in older books (1950's
and 60's) it is likely to be called that. Another common reference is the
"American Bald Eagle." An eagle has been on the official seal of the US
practically from the late 1700's, became the official symbol of the country in
the mid 1800's, long after it was already in all sorts of "official" places,
like coins. It was specifically protected by Congress in 1940. It was labled
"endangered" in the early sixties, and since the ban on DDT has been slowly
recovering. We have the largest number of breeding pairs of any state except
Alaska here in Florida--some 600+. My county had some 65 pairs counted last
spring. They are a magnificant sight soaring over our local lakes.
As to the "bald" part, the Webster Dictionary of the American Language gives
as the definition of "bald" as "having white fur or feathers on the head" (as
well as the more common meaning, "bear") so I guess that makes it an accurate
name.
Mary Landsman
Gainesville Florida
email:
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