What are those black eagles that people often put above their garages?

Question

I've been idly wondering this for a while... I see them all over the place, and I wonder whether there is some sort of significance to them. I never see them on newer homes; they're usually large-but-not-too-large, typically white homes. The eagle is usually black with its wings spread, and typically over the garage (though I have seen them over the front door, or places like that). I've also seen the same eagle in different colors ocasionally, such as gold. I tried doing some quick research on it and didn't come up with anything, but I didn't try too hard. My dad said that he thought they were just a fad from the 70's, but he wasn't sure. I just thought that maybe, since they are so widespread and all the same, that they had some sort of meaning attatched to them.

Does anyone know what I'm talking about? This isn't just a regional thing, is it? I'm pretty sure I've seen them outside of my area. Does anyone know if they mean something or not?

Answer 1

I know exactly what you are talking about.  We have them all over the place in Indiana.  

There is a type of decor called "Early American"  It uses the eagle in a lot of its designs.  Your dad is right - putting black or gold eagles over garages was really popular in the 70's.  Since the bald eagle is our national bird (US) the popularity has remained especially in the New England and Midwest States.