When Was the Bald Eagle Chosen as the National Bird?

The bald eagle was officially chosen as the national bird of the United States on June 20, 1782, when it was adopted as the central image for the Great Seal of the United States. This pivotal moment in American symbolism marked the culmination of a months-long deliberation by the Continental Congress and a special design committee that included prominent Founding Fathers such as John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. The selection of the bald eagle as the national emblem has since become deeply embedded in U.S. identity, representing strength, freedom, and resilience. Understanding when the bald eagle was chosen as the national bird not only reveals a key historical decision but also opens a window into the values and aspirations of a young nation forging its path.

Historical Context: The Creation of the Great Seal

To fully appreciate when the bald eagle was chosen as the national bird, one must explore the broader context of the Great Seal’s development. In 1776, shortly after the Declaration of Independence, the Second Continental Congress appointed a committee to design a seal that would represent the newly formed United States. The committee initially struggled to agree on a symbol, considering various options including allegorical figures from Roman mythology and even depictions of Moses parting the Red Sea.

It wasn’t until 1782 that Secretary of Congress Charles Thomson synthesized earlier proposals into a final design. Drawing from elements suggested by heraldic expert William Barton and input from previous committees, Thomson proposed the bald eagle as the central figure. His rationale emphasized the bird’s native presence in North America, its majestic appearance, and its perceived longevity and courage. On June 20, 1782, Congress unanimously approved Thomson’s design, formally adopting the bald eagle as the national symbol.

Why the Bald Eagle? Symbolism and National Identity

The decision to select the bald eagle over other contenders—such as the turkey, which Benjamin Franklin famously advocated for in a private letter—was rooted in both practical and symbolic considerations. Unlike imported species or mythological creatures, the bald eagle was indigenous to the continent, making it a uniquely American choice. Its impressive wingspan, piercing gaze, and powerful talons evoked ideals of sovereignty and independence.

The eagle is depicted holding an olive branch in one talon (symbolizing peace) and a bundle of thirteen arrows in the other (representing war and the original thirteen colonies). Above its head are thirteen stars arranged in a constellation, signifying unity among the states. These details were carefully chosen to reflect the dual commitment to peace through strength and readiness to defend liberty.

Despite some early controversy—including Franklin’s critique that the eagle had “a bad moral character” due to its scavenging habits—the bird ultimately prevailed as a unifying emblem. Over time, public perception shifted, emphasizing the eagle’s role as a top predator and apex symbol of natural authority.

Biological Profile of the Bald Eagle

Beyond its symbolic importance, the bald eagle (*Haliaeetus leucocephalus*) is a fascinating raptor with distinctive biological traits. Despite the name, the bird is not actually bald; the term comes from an archaic word meaning “white-headed.” Adults have dark brown bodies with striking white heads and tails, which they develop fully by age five. They possess exceptional eyesight—estimated at four times sharper than humans—and can spot fish from over a mile away.

Bald eagles are found throughout North America, primarily near large bodies of water where they can hunt fish, their primary food source. They build massive nests—called eyries—that can weigh up to a ton and be reused year after year. With a wingspan reaching up to 7.5 feet, they are among the largest birds of prey in the continent.

Once endangered due to habitat destruction and DDT pesticide use, conservation efforts led to a dramatic recovery. The species was removed from the U.S. Endangered Species List in 2007, standing today as a testament to successful wildlife protection policies.

Observing the Bald Eagle: Tips for Birdwatchers

For nature enthusiasts and amateur ornithologists, spotting a bald eagle in the wild is a thrilling experience. Knowing when the bald eagle was chosen as the national bird adds historical depth, but understanding how and where to observe them enhances the real-world connection.

• Best Time to See Bald Eagles: Winter months (December to February) offer optimal viewing, especially in northern states, as eagles migrate southward or congregate near open water sources.
• Prime Locations: Areas like the Chilkat River in Alaska, the Mississippi Flyway, and national refuges such as the Conowingo Dam in Maryland attract large numbers of eagles during migration seasons.
• Equipment Recommendations: Use binoculars with at least 8x magnification or a spotting scope for distant observation. A field guide or birding app can help confirm identification based on plumage and flight patterns.
• Ethical Viewing: Maintain a safe distance—ideally over 330 feet—to avoid disturbing nesting or feeding behaviors. Disturbing eagles, especially during breeding season (January to July), is prohibited under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

Cultural Significance Across Native American Traditions

Long before the bald eagle became a national symbol, it held sacred status among many Indigenous peoples of North America. Tribes including the Lakota, Ojibwe, and Kwakwaka'wakw revered the eagle as a messenger between humans and the divine. Feathers are used in religious ceremonies, regalia, and rites of passage, symbolizing honor, courage, and spiritual connection.

This cultural reverence contrasts with the political symbolism adopted by the federal government, highlighting differing worldviews. Today, federally protected permits allow enrolled members of federally recognized tribes to possess eagle feathers for ceremonial purposes, acknowledging both legal protections and cultural rights.

Legal Protections and Conservation Status

The journey of the bald eagle from near extinction to national pride underscores the importance of environmental legislation. Two key laws provide ongoing protection:

Law	Year Enacted	Key Provisions
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act	1940	Makes it illegal to kill, sell, or possess bald or golden eagles without a permit.
Endangered Species Act	1973	Listed the bald eagle as endangered; instrumental in recovery efforts.

In 2007, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declared the bald eagle recovered and delisted it from the Endangered Species Act. However, it remains protected under the earlier act, ensuring continued safeguards against poaching, habitat disruption, and pollution.

Common Misconceptions About the National Bird

Despite widespread recognition, several misconceptions persist about the bald eagle’s official status:

• Myth: The bald eagle is legally designated as the “national bird” in statute.
  Fact: While universally accepted as such, no federal law explicitly names the bald eagle as the national bird. Its status derives entirely from its inclusion on the Great Seal.
• Myth: Benjamin Franklin opposed the bald eagle as the national symbol.
  Fact: Franklin expressed preference for the turkey in a personal letter but never formally challenged the decision. His comments were more satirical than legislative.
• Myth: All eagles in the U.S. are bald eagles.
  Fact: The golden eagle (*Aquila chrysaetos*) also inhabits North America and is often confused with the bald eagle, though it lacks the white head and prefers inland habitats.

How to Teach Others About the Bald Eagle’s Legacy

Educators, park rangers, and citizen scientists play a vital role in preserving awareness of the bald eagle’s historical and ecological significance. Consider these strategies:

• Incorporate primary sources—like the original Great Seal resolution—into history lessons.
• Organize local birdwatching events during eagle migration periods.
• Partner with wildlife refuges or Audubon chapters for guided educational programs.
• Promote digital resources such as live eagle nest cams hosted by conservation organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the bald eagle ever in danger of going extinct?

Yes. By the mid-20th century, fewer than 500 nesting pairs remained in the contiguous U.S., primarily due to DDT poisoning. Aggressive conservation measures reversed this trend, leading to over 300,000 individuals today.

Is there a movement to make the bald eagle the official national bird by law?

Yes. Bills have been introduced in Congress to formally designate the bald eagle as the national bird, codifying what has long been tradition. None have passed as of 2024.

Can I keep a bald eagle feather if I find one?

No. Possession of bald eagle feathers is illegal for the general public under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Only enrolled members of federally recognized tribes may obtain them through a permit system.

Do other countries have similar national bird symbols?

Yes. For example, India’s national bird is the peacock, Mexico’s is the golden eagle, and Australia’s is the emu. Each reflects cultural or ecological uniqueness.

How long do bald eagles live?

In the wild, bald eagles typically live 20–30 years. In captivity, they can exceed 50 years with proper care.