6 stamps, pen and ink sketch, burgundy on black matting
Eagles are found on all the continents except Antarctica, and as a group, they represent about 55 species of daylight hunting birds of prey. The smallest are about 16 inches long. Distinctive features are long, massive, hooked bills and powerful toes with long curved claws. Their keen eyesight is almost legendary as in "eyes like an eagle." An impressive aspect of eagles is that they have been inspirational since Paleolithic times when they began appearing in cave paintings in Europe. Eagles conjure up feelings of freedom, courage, power, and have appeared in the lore of many empires; Babylon, The Caesars, Charlemagne, the Roman Empire, Napoleon, Russia, and many European regimes. The seal of Mexico shows an eagle devouring a serpent symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The seal of the Unites States, officially adopted in 1782, of course includes an eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, showing both strength and liberty. North American Indians have a special significance in their culture for the eagle.
