The United States Postal Service has unveiled special bald eagle stamps to mark America’s 250th birthday. The collection highlights the bird’s journey from hatchling to adult and reflects its importance as a symbol of freedom, strength and conservation success in the US.
1 / 6USPS unveils special bald eagle stamps | The United States Postal Service has released a special edition bald eagle stamp collection to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. The stamps were unveiled at the National Eagle Center and are now available for purchase across the United States. The collection features the bald eagle across five major stages of life, from a fuzzy hatchling to the well-known white-headed adult eagle shown on the country’s seal. (Image: AP)
2 / 6What is the bald eagle? | The Bald Eagle is a large bird of prey found in North America. It is known for its white head, yellow beak, sharp talons and wide wingspan. Bald eagles are usually seen near rivers, lakes and coastal areas, where they hunt fish and other small animals. According to AP, Postal Service historian Steve Kochersperger said the eagle’s life stages shown on the stamps also reflect the growth of the United States over time. (Image: AP)
3 / 6Why the bald eagle became an American symbol | The bald eagle has been an important American emblem since Congress adopted the Great Seal in 1782. However, it officially became the national bird of the United States only in 2024. The bird is often linked with values such as freedom, strength and independence. Kochersperger said the eagle’s position at the top of the food chain and its powerful presence in the sky helped make it a strong national symbol. (Image: AP)
4 / 6Bald eagle numbers once dropped sharply in the US | The bald eagle also represents one of America’s biggest wildlife conservation success stories. In the 1960s, bald eagle populations declined heavily because of the pesticide DDT, which harmed the birds and affected their eggs. The decline started to reverse after the US banned DDT in 1972 and listed the bald eagle as an endangered species in 1978. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the bald eagle was removed from the endangered species list in 2007, and there are now more than 300,000 bald eagles across the continental United States. (Image: AP)
5 / 6Artist David Sibley designed the stamp collection | The collection was created by David Sibley, a Massachusetts-based artist and bird watcher known for his bird illustrations. Sibley spent nearly a year working on the digital artwork for the stamps. Since stamps are very small, he focused mainly on the eagle’s head to make the details stand out clearly. Speaking to AP, Sibley said he hopes people see the bald eagle not only as a national symbol but also as an important part of nature and the ecosystem. (Image: AP)
6 / 6USPS says stamps can also educate people | The Postal Service said stamps have long been used to celebrate American culture, history and major events. Beyond mailing letters, they can also help people learn more about the country and its symbols. Kochersperger told AP that even though stamps are small, a lot of planning and creative effort go into designing them. (Image: AP)
