What Is the United States Bird? The Bald Eagle Explained

The United States does not have an official national bird at the federal level, but the bald eagle is widely recognized as the national symbol and de facto national bird of the United States. Chosen for its strength, freedom, and majestic presence, the bald eagle was officially adopted as the national emblem in 1782 when it was placed on the Great Seal of the United States. While no congressional act formally declares it the 'national bird,' the bald eagle's cultural, historical, and symbolic significance makes it the most accurate answer to the question: what is the united states bird? This powerful raptor, native exclusively to North America, has become synonymous with American identity, appearing on currency, military insignia, government seals, and patriotic imagery.

Historical Background: Why the Bald Eagle Was Chosen

The selection of the bald eagle as a national symbol dates back to the founding years of the United States. In 1782, a committee including John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin was tasked with designing a seal for the newly independent nation. After several proposals and debates, the final design featured a bald eagle holding an olive branch and arrows in its talons, symbolizing both peace and readiness for war.

Despite some early opposition—Benjamin Franklin famously preferred the turkey, which he considered more respectable and truly native—the bald eagle prevailed due to its imposing appearance and association with authority and divine power in ancient civilizations, particularly Rome. The image of an eagle had long been linked to empire and sovereignty, making it a fitting emblem for a new republic aspiring to greatness.

Biological Profile of the Bald Eagle

The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a large bird of prey found only in North America. Despite its name, it is not actually bald; the term comes from an old English word “balde,” meaning white, referring to the bird’s distinctive white head and tail feathers that develop when it reaches maturity at around five years of age.

Here are key biological facts about the species:

• Wingspan: Up to 7.5 feet (2.3 meters)
• Weight: 6.5 to 14 pounds (3–6.3 kg), with females typically larger than males
• Lifespan: 20–30 years in the wild, longer in captivity
• Diet: Primarily fish, but also scavenges and steals food from other birds
• Nesting: Builds massive nests (aeries) in tall trees or cliffs, often reusing and adding to the same nest year after year
• Range: Found throughout the contiguous United States, Alaska, and parts of Canada and northern Mexico

Bald eagles are apex predators and play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Their recovery from near extinction is one of the greatest conservation success stories in U.S. history.

The Near Extinction and Recovery of the Bald Eagle

By the mid-20th century, the bald eagle population had plummeted due to habitat destruction, hunting, and the widespread use of the pesticide DDT, which caused eggshell thinning and reproductive failure. In 1963, only 417 known nesting pairs remained in the lower 48 states.

The turning point came with the passage of key environmental legislation:

• 1972: Ban on DDT in the United States
• 1973: Endangered Species Act enacted
• 1940: Bald Eagle Protection Act passed (later amended to include golden eagles)

Thanks to rigorous protection, habitat restoration, and reintroduction programs, bald eagle numbers rebounded dramatically. In 2007, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the bald eagle from the endangered species list. As of 2020, there were over 300,000 individual bald eagles and more than 71,000 breeding pairs in the lower 48 states—a remarkable recovery.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance Across America

The bald eagle transcends biology—it is deeply embedded in American culture and symbolism. It appears on the one-dollar bill, the presidential seal, military uniforms, passports, and federal agency logos. Its image evokes patriotism, resilience, and independence.

For many Native American tribes, the eagle holds sacred spiritual meaning. Feathers are used in religious ceremonies and are considered gifts from the Creator. Federal law restricts the possession of eagle feathers to enrolled members of federally recognized tribes, underscoring both respect for indigenous traditions and legal protections for the species.

In popular media, the bald eagle is frequently used to represent American values. From Fourth of July parades to sports team mascots (like the Philadelphia Eagles), its presence reinforces national identity. However, this symbolic use sometimes overshadows the real ecological needs of the living animal.

How to See Bald Eagles in the Wild: A Practical Guide for Birdwatchers

If you're interested in observing bald eagles in their natural habitat, timing and location are critical. Here are practical tips for successful eagle watching:

Best Times to Observe Bald Eagles

• Winter (December–February): Eagles congregate near open water where they can fish. Rivers that remain unfrozen due to dams or warm effluents attract high concentrations.
• Spring (March–May): Nesting season begins. Eagles are highly active, building or repairing nests and defending territories.
• Fall (September–November): Juvenile eagles disperse, offering opportunities to see younger birds still developing adult plumage.

Top Locations for Bald Eagle Viewing

Location	State	Best Time to Visit	Key Features
Chilkat River	Alaska	October–November	World’s largest concentration of bald eagles during salmon runs
Kentucky Lake	Tennessee/Kentucky	January–February	Over 200 eagles spotted annually; guided tours available
Conowingo Dam	Maryland	Winter months	Eagles gather below dam where fish are concentrated
Quoddy Head State Park	Maine	Year-round, peak in winter	Coastal habitat with sea eagle sightings
Snake River	Wyoming	November–March	National Elk Refuge hosts wintering eagles

Equipment and Etiquette for Observing Eagles

• Binoculars or spotting scope: Essential for distant viewing without disturbing the birds.
• Quiet behavior: Avoid loud noises and sudden movements. Eagles are sensitive to human disturbance, especially during nesting.
• Maintain distance: Stay at least 330 feet (100 meters) away from nests, as required by federal law.
• Use field guides or apps: Merlin Bird ID or Audubon Bird Guide can help confirm identification.
• Visit wildlife refuges: Many national wildlife refuges offer eagle-watching events with expert guides.

Common Misconceptions About the United States National Bird

Several myths persist about the bald eagle and its status as the national bird:

• Myth: The bald eagle was chosen unanimously by the Founding Fathers.
  Reality: There was significant debate, and Franklin expressed preference for the turkey.
• Myth: The bald eagle is listed as the official national bird in the U.S. Constitution.
  Reality: No such designation exists in constitutional or federal statute—its status is symbolic and traditional.
• Myth: Bald eagles are aggressive toward humans.
  Reality: They avoid people and only attack if defending a nest nearby.
• Myth: All white-headed eagles are adults.
  Reality: Juveniles take up to five years to develop full white head and tail plumage.

Efforts to Officially Designate the Bald Eagle as National Bird

Although the bald eagle functions as the de facto national bird, there have been periodic legislative efforts to make its status official. In recent years, bills such as the National Bird of Prey Protection Act and proposals specifically naming the bald eagle as the national bird have been introduced in Congress.

Supporters argue that formal recognition would strengthen conservation funding and public awareness. Opponents question the necessity, noting that existing protections under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (1940) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act already provide strong legal safeguards.

As of now, no bill has passed into law, leaving the bald eagle’s title unofficial—but undeniably central to American identity.

Regional Differences in Eagle Populations and Public Perception

Eagle populations vary significantly across regions due to climate, food availability, and habitat preservation. For example:

• Alaska: Home to over 30,000 bald eagles—the highest population in the U.S.
• Florida: Has the largest breeding population in the lower 48 states.
• California: Reintroduction programs helped restore eagles after local extinctions.
• New England: Wintering grounds attract migratory eagles from Canada.

Public engagement also varies. In rural areas, eagles may be seen as competitors by fishermen or farmers, while urban populations often view them through a lens of pride and symbolism. Education initiatives aim to bridge these perspectives and promote coexistence.

What You Can Do to Support Bald Eagle Conservation

Even if you’re not a policymaker, you can contribute to the continued survival of the bald eagle:

• Support conservation organizations: Groups like the National Audubon Society, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and local wildlife centers work to protect habitats.
• Report injured or distressed eagles: Contact your state wildlife agency or a licensed rehabilitator.
• Avoid using lead ammunition and fishing tackle: Lead poisoning from ingested fragments is a leading cause of eagle deaths.
• Participate in citizen science: Report sightings via eBird or participate in annual eagle counts.
• Educate others: Share accurate information about the bald eagle’s history, biology, and importance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the bald eagle the official national bird of the United States?

No federal law officially designates the bald eagle as the national bird, but it is universally recognized as the national symbol and has served in that capacity since 1782.

Why was the bald eagle chosen over other birds like the turkey?

The bald eagle was selected for its majestic appearance, strength, and exclusivity to North America. Although Benjamin Franklin criticized the choice, favoring the turkey, the eagle’s association with ancient empires made it more suitable as a national emblem.

Can I keep a bald eagle feather I found in the wild?

No. Under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, it is illegal for non-Native Americans to possess bald eagle feathers. Only enrolled members of federally recognized tribes may obtain them through special permits.

Where can I see bald eagles in the United States?

Prime locations include Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, the Mississippi Flyway, and major rivers like the Chilkat and Snake Rivers. Winter months offer the best viewing opportunities.

Has the bald eagle always been common in the U.S.?

No. By the 1960s, pesticide use and habitat loss reduced the population to fewer than 500 nesting pairs. Thanks to conservation efforts, the species has made a dramatic comeback and was delisted from the Endangered Species List in 2007.