When Did the Eagle Become the National Bird of the United States?

The bald eagle officially became the national bird of the United States on June 20, 1782, when it was adopted as the central figure of the Great Seal of the United States. This pivotal moment in American symbolism marked the selection of a native raptor renowned for its majestic presence, soaring flight, and association with power and freedom. The decision to designate the bald eagle as the nation’s emblem was not immediate or unanimous, but rather the result of deliberation among founding figures such as John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin—each offering their perspectives on what bird best represented the young republic. Understanding when the eagle became the national bird offers insight into both early American identity and the enduring cultural resonance of this iconic species.

Historical Context: The Creation of the Great Seal

The process of selecting a national symbol began shortly after the Declaration of Independence in 1776. A committee was formed by the Continental Congress to design an official seal for the new nation—one that would appear on government documents, currency, and diplomatic correspondence. The first committee, composed of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams, proposed various designs, many of which included symbolic imagery from classical antiquity.

Franklin initially favored the wild turkey, which he considered a more respectable and truly American bird. In a famous letter to his daughter, he criticized the eagle as being of 'bad moral character' and prone to stealing food from other birds—a reference to the bald eagle’s scavenging habits. However, despite Franklin’s reservations, the bald eagle gained favor due to its impressive appearance and its exclusive status as a native North American species.

After several iterations and multiple design committees, the final version of the Great Seal was presented to Congress. On June 20, 1782, Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, submitted 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—symbolizing peace and readiness for war, respectively. Above its head were thirteen stars arranged in a constellation, representing the original colonies. This design was approved, cementing the bald eagle’s role as the national bird.

Why the Bald Eagle Was Chosen

The selection of the bald eagle was rooted in both practical and symbolic reasoning. At the time, the founders sought a creature that embodied strength, independence, and longevity—qualities they wished to associate with the fledgling United States. Though the term 'bald' might suggest hairlessness, it actually derives from an old English word 'balde,' meaning white, referring to the bird’s distinctive white head and tail feathers.

• Symbolism: The eagle has been associated with authority and divine power since ancient times—from Roman legions bearing aquila (eagle) standards to depictions of Zeus wielding an eagle in Greek mythology.
• Nativity: As a species found only in North America, the bald eagle represented a uniquely American identity, distinguishing the U.S. from European powers.
• Resilience: Despite early misconceptions about its behavior, the eagle's ability to thrive across diverse ecosystems—from coastal regions to inland lakes—mirrored the nation’s geographic and ideological expansion.

While no formal law declared the bald eagle the 'national bird,' its inclusion on the Great Seal gave it de facto status. Over time, it appeared on flags, coins, military insignia, and federal agency logos, reinforcing its symbolic centrality.

Biological Profile of the Bald Eagle

Beyond its symbolic importance, the bald eagle (*Haliaeetus leucocephalus*) is a biologically remarkable bird of prey. Understanding when the eagle became the national bird also invites appreciation of its natural history.

Characteristic	Description
Scientific Name	Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Wingspan	6 to 7.5 feet (1.8–2.3 meters)
Weight	6.5 to 14 pounds (3–6.3 kg)
Lifespan	20–30 years in the wild
Habitat	Near large bodies of water across North America
Diet	Fish, waterfowl, carrion, occasionally small mammals
Nesting Behavior	Builds some of the largest nests of any bird; can exceed 1,000 pounds

Bald eagles are sexually dimorphic, with females typically larger than males. They reach full adult plumage—distinctive white head and tail—at around five years of age. Juveniles are mottled brown and white, often mistaken for other raptors like golden eagles.

These birds are powerful fliers, capable of reaching speeds up to 30 mph (48 km/h) in level flight and over 100 mph (160 km/h) in a dive. Their eyesight is estimated to be four to eight times sharper than that of humans, allowing them to spot fish from great heights.

Conservation History and Recovery

Despite its revered status, the bald eagle faced near extinction in the 20th century. By the 1960s, pesticide use—particularly DDT—had caused widespread thinning of eggshells, leading to reproductive failure. Habitat destruction and illegal shooting further reduced populations.

In response, the U.S. government enacted protective measures:

• 1940 – Bald Eagle Protection Act: Prohibited killing, selling, or possessing bald eagles.
• 1972 – Ban on DDT: Led to gradual recovery of fish-eating bird populations.
• 1978 – Listed under Endangered Species Act: Provided additional habitat protection and funding for restoration.
• 2007 – Delisted from Endangered Species: Officially removed from the endangered list after successful population rebound.

Today, there are over 300,000 bald eagles in the United States, including more than 100,000 breeding pairs. This conservation success story underscores how legal protections, scientific research, and public awareness can reverse ecological decline.

Where to See Bald Eagles: A Guide for Birdwatchers

For those interested in observing bald eagles in the wild, timing and location are crucial. Knowing when the eagle became the national bird enhances historical appreciation, but seeing one in flight offers a visceral connection to American heritage.

Best Times to Observe:

• Winter (December–February): Eagles congregate near open water where fish are accessible. Ice-covered northern lakes drive southern migration.
• Breeding Season (January–July): Nesting activity peaks in late winter to early spring. Look for large nests in tall trees near rivers or lakes.

Top Viewing Locations:

1. Chilkat River, Alaska: Home to the world’s largest concentration of bald eagles during fall salmon runs.
2. Quaddick Reservoir, Connecticut: Known for winter roosting sites.
3. Conowingo Dam, Maryland: Thousands gather along the Susquehanna River to feed on shad.
4. Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge: Offers excellent year-round viewing opportunities.
5. San Juan Islands, Washington: High density of resident eagles due to abundant marine resources.

Tips for Successful Eagle Watching:

• Use binoculars or a spotting scope—eagles may appear as distant specks without magnification.
• Visit early morning or late afternoon when eagles are most active.
• Respect buffer zones—approaching nests too closely is illegal under federal law.
• Join guided tours offered by wildlife refuges or Audubon chapters.

Cultural Significance Beyond the United States

While the bald eagle is uniquely American, eagles in general hold profound symbolic weight across cultures. In Native American traditions, eagles are seen as messengers between humans and the Creator. Feathers are used in ceremonies and are legally protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, available only to enrolled tribal members through permits.

Globally, eagles appear in heraldry, religion, and national emblems—from the double-headed eagle of the Byzantine Empire to the golden eagle on Mexico’s flag. The universality of the eagle as a symbol of sovereignty reflects shared human admiration for its power and grace.

Common Misconceptions About the National Bird

Several myths persist regarding the bald eagle’s designation:

• Misconception: There is a law declaring the bald eagle the national bird.
  Reality: Its status comes from adoption on the Great Seal, not statutory law.
• Misconception: Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to replace the eagle.
  Reality: He expressed preference for the turkey in private correspondence but did not formally propose replacement.
• Misconception: All eagles are bald.
  Reality: 'Bald' refers to the white head, not absence of feathers.

How the National Symbol Evolved Over Time

Since 1782, the image of the bald eagle has evolved in its representation. Early engravings varied in accuracy, sometimes depicting the bird facing left or holding different objects. It wasn’t until the 19th century that standardized versions emerged.

In modern times, the eagle appears on:

• U.S. dollar bills and coins
• Presidential seal and Air Force One livery
• Department of Defense and NASA insignia
• State seals (e.g., Illinois, Michigan)

This continuity reinforces national unity and institutional legitimacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Was the bald eagle ever replaced as the national bird?
A: No. Despite Benjamin Franklin’s criticism, the bald eagle has remained the national symbol since 1782.

Q: Is the golden eagle also a national symbol?
A: While not the national bird, the golden eagle holds cultural significance, especially among Native American tribes, and is protected under federal law.

Q: Can I own a bald eagle feather?
A: Only enrolled members of federally recognized tribes may legally possess bald eagle feathers under permit. Unauthorized possession is a federal offense.

Q: Are bald eagles dangerous to humans?
A: Generally not. They avoid human contact, though nesting birds may become aggressive if approached too closely.

Q: How can I help protect bald eagles today?
A: Support wetland conservation, report injured birds to wildlife authorities, and advocate for clean water policies that protect fish populations.