When Did the Bald Eagle Become the National Bird? Answered

The bald eagle became the national bird of the United States on June 20, 1782, when it was officially adopted as the central image of the Great Seal of the United States. This pivotal moment in American symbolism marked the selection of the bald eagle for its strength, longevity, and majestic presence—qualities that early leaders believed reflected the values of the newly formed nation. The decision to make the bald eagle the national bird wasn't unanimous or immediate, but after months of debate among the Founding Fathers, including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin, the bald eagle emerged as the most widely supported emblem. Understanding when did the bald eagle become the national bird reveals not just a date, but a deeper story about American identity, natural heritage, and the symbolic power of wildlife.

Historical Context: The Creation of the Great Seal

The journey to select a national symbol began shortly after the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The Continental Congress realized that the fledgling United States needed an official seal to authenticate important documents, much like other sovereign nations. A committee was formed, consisting of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams, tasked with designing what would become known as the Great Seal of the United States.

Each member proposed different symbols. Franklin initially favored the turkey, famously criticizing the bald eagle as a bird of “bad moral character” due to its scavenging habits. Jefferson suggested imagery from the Israelites in the wilderness, while Adams leaned toward depictions of ancient Greek warriors. However, none of these early designs were accepted.

It wasn't until the third committee, led by Charles Thomson—the Secretary of the Continental Congress—that a consensus was reached. Drawing from elements of the previous proposals, Thomson finalized a design featuring a bald eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch in one talon and a bundle of thirteen arrows in the other. Above its head were thirteen stars arranged in a constellation, symbolizing unity among the original colonies. On June 20, 1782, Congress approved this design, officially making the bald eagle the national bird by virtue of its place on the Great Seal.

Why the Bald Eagle Was Chosen

The selection of the bald eagle was not based solely on aesthetics. Several symbolic and practical reasons influenced the decision:

• Uniquity to North America: At the time, the bald eagle was believed to exist only on the continent, making it a uniquely American symbol.
• Strength and Majesty: Its powerful build, sharp gaze, and impressive wingspan conveyed authority and independence.
• Longevity and Vision: Eagles were thought to live long lives and possess exceptional eyesight, metaphors for foresight and wisdom in governance.
• Connection to Classical Ideals: The eagle had been used since Roman times as a symbol of imperial power and divine favor, lending historical gravitas to the new republic.

Despite Franklin’s objections, the bald eagle won favor because it represented resilience and freedom—ideals central to the American Revolution. While some myths suggest Franklin wanted the turkey as the national bird, he never formally proposed it; his comments were made in private letters and were more satirical than serious.

Biological Profile of the Bald Eagle

Beyond symbolism, the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a remarkable bird of prey native to North America. Here are key biological facts every nature enthusiast should know:

• Appearance: Adults have a dark brown body, white head and tail, and bright yellow beak and legs. Juveniles lack the distinctive white plumage and take up to five years to mature fully.
• Size: Females are larger than males, with a wingspan reaching up to 7.5 feet and weight between 6–14 pounds.
• Diet: Primarily fish, but also scavenges carrion and occasionally steals food from other birds (kleptoparasitism).
• Habitat: Found near large bodies of water—including lakes, rivers, and coastal regions—where food is abundant.
• Nesting: Builds the largest nests of any North American bird, sometimes weighing over a ton and reused year after year.
• Lifespan: In the wild, they can live 20–30 years; in captivity, some exceed 50 years.

The term “bald” comes from the Old English word “balde,” meaning white, referring to the bird’s white head, not hairlessness.

Conservation Status and Recovery

By the mid-20th century, the bald eagle faced near extinction due to habitat destruction, hunting, and the widespread use of the pesticide DDT, which caused eggshell thinning. In 1967, it was listed as an endangered species in most of the contiguous United States.

Thanks to the banning of DDT in 1972 and aggressive conservation efforts under the Endangered Species Act, the population rebounded dramatically. By 2007, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the bald eagle from the endangered species list, marking one of the greatest wildlife recovery success stories in American history.

Today, there are over 300,000 bald eagles in the wild across North America, with thriving populations in Alaska, Minnesota, Florida, and along the Pacific Northwest coast.

How to See Bald Eagles in the Wild

Observing a bald eagle in its natural habitat is a thrilling experience for birdwatchers and outdoor enthusiasts. Here are practical tips for spotting them:

1. Visit During Winter Migration: Many northern populations migrate south during winter, increasing visibility in areas like the Chesapeake Bay, Tennessee River, and southern New England.
2. Look Near Water Bodies: Scan large lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and coastal estuaries, especially at dawn or dusk when eagles are most active.
3. Use Binoculars or a Spotting Scope: Their high perches in tall trees or snags make optical aids essential.
4. Listen for Calls: Though not as loud as hawks, bald eagles emit high-pitched chirps, whistles, and chatters, especially around nesting sites.
5. Join Guided Eagle Watches: National wildlife refuges such as the Conowingo Dam in Maryland or the Squaw Creek Refuge in Missouri host annual eagle-watching events with expert guides.

Responsible viewing practices include maintaining distance, avoiding disturbance near nests, and following local regulations, especially during breeding season (January to July).

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

The bald eagle holds profound meaning beyond American civic life. For many Native American tribes, the eagle is sacred, representing courage, truth, and connection to the divine. Eagle feathers are used in religious ceremonies and awarded for acts of bravery or leadership.

In modern culture, the bird appears on currency, military insignia, government logos, and sports team emblems. It remains a potent symbol of freedom and national pride, often invoked during patriotic events such as Independence Day and presidential inaugurations.

Aspect	Detail
Official Adoption Date	June 20, 1782
Scientific Name	Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Primary Habitat	Near large water bodies across North America
Conservation Status (2024)	Least Concern (IUCN), Fully Recovered
Average Wingspan	6–7.5 feet
Lifespan in Wild	20–30 years

Common Misconceptions About the National Bird

Several myths persist about the bald eagle and its status:

• Myth: The bald eagle is mentioned in the U.S. Constitution.
  Fact: No bird is designated in the Constitution. The adoption occurred through congressional resolution for the Great Seal.
• Myth: The United States has a formal law declaring the bald eagle the national bird.
  Fact: There is no standalone federal law. Its status derives entirely from its use on the Great Seal.
• Myth: Benjamin Franklin advocated for the turkey to replace the eagle.
  Fact: Franklin expressed skepticism about the eagle’s character but never formally proposed the turkey as an alternative national symbol.

State Variations and Symbolic Use

While the bald eagle is the de facto national bird, individual states have their own official state birds, none of which conflict with the national symbol. Some states, like Illinois and New York, feature the bald eagle prominently on their state seals or flags, reinforcing its cultural importance.

Federal agencies—from the Department of Defense to the Postal Service—routinely use the bald eagle in official iconography. However, strict laws govern its depiction, especially regarding the use of real feathers, which are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

FAQs About the Bald Eagle as National Bird

Was the bald eagle always the national bird?

No official designation existed before June 20, 1782. That date marks its adoption onto the Great Seal, effectively establishing it as the national symbol.

Is there a law that says the bald eagle is the national bird?

No specific law declares it, but its role on the Great Seal gives it official standing. Multiple legislative attempts to codify it legally have been introduced but not passed.

Can you own a bald eagle feather?

Generally, no. Only enrolled members of federally recognized Native American tribes may possess eagle feathers for religious purposes under permit.

Do other countries have similar national birds?

Yes. For example, India's national bird is the peacock, Mexico's is the golden eagle, and Australia's is the emu.

How can I help protect bald eagles today?

Support habitat conservation, report injured eagles to wildlife authorities, avoid using lead ammunition near waterways, and participate in citizen science bird counts.