<P> Permits are required to keep bald eagles in captivity in the United States . Permits are primarily issued to public educational institutions, and the eagles which they show are permanently injured individuals which cannot be released to the wild . The facilities where eagles are kept must be equipped with adequate caging and facilities, as well as workers experienced in the handling and care of eagles . Bald eagles cannot legally be kept for falconry in the United States . As a rule, the bald eagle is a poor choice for public shows, being timid, prone to becoming highly stressed, and unpredictable in nature . Native American tribes can obtain a "Native American Religious Use" permit to keep non-releasable eagles as well . They use their naturally molted feathers for religious and cultural ceremonies . The bald eagle can be long - lived in captivity if well cared for, but does not breed well even under the best conditions . In Canada, a license is required to keep bald eagles for falconry . </P> <P> The bald eagle is important in various Native American cultures and, as the national bird of the United States, is prominent in seals and logos, coinage, postage stamps, and other items relating to the U.S. federal government . </P> <P> The bald eagle is a sacred bird in some North American cultures, and its feathers, like those of the golden eagle, are central to many religious and spiritual customs among Native Americans . Eagles are considered spiritual messengers between gods and humans by some cultures . Many pow wow dancers use the eagle claw as part of their regalia as well . Eagle feathers are often used in traditional ceremonies, particularly in the construction of regalia worn and as a part of fans, bustles and head dresses . In the Navajo Tradition an Eagle feather is represented to be a Protector, along with the Feather Navajo Medicine Man use the leg and wing bones for ceremonial whistles . The Lakota, for instance, give an eagle feather as a symbol of honor to person who achieves a task . In modern times, it may be given on an event such as a graduation from college . The Pawnee considered eagles as symbols of fertility because their nests are built high off the ground and because they fiercely protect their young . The Choctaw considered the bald eagle, who has direct contact with the upper world of the sun, as a symbol of peace . </P> <P> During the Sun Dance, which is practiced by many Plains Indian tribes, the eagle is represented in several ways . The eagle nest is represented by the fork of the lodge where the dance is held . A whistle made from the wing bone of an eagle is used during the course of the dance . Also during the dance, a medicine man may direct his fan, which is made of eagle feathers, to people who seek to be healed . The medicine man touches the fan to the center pole and then to the patient, in order to transmit power from the pole to the patient . The fan is then held up toward the sky, so that the eagle may carry the prayers for the sick to the Creator . </P>

When does a bald eagle get its white head