When Was the Bald Eagle Made the National Bird?

The bald eagle was officially chosen as the national bird of the United States on June 20, 1782, when Congress approved its inclusion as the central figure on the Great Seal of the United States. This pivotal moment in American symbolism established the bald eagle as a lasting emblem of strength, freedom, and national identity. While no formal law ever declared it the 'national bird' in the way modern legislation might, its adoption into the nation's highest seal effectively cemented its status. Understanding when the bald eagle was made the national bird reveals not just a date but a deeper story of early American values, political compromise, and the enduring power of natural symbols in national identity.

Historical Context: The Creation of the Great Seal

To fully appreciate why June 20, 1782, is recognized as the day the bald eagle became the national symbol, one must examine the process behind the Great Seal’s design. In 1776, shortly after the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress appointed a committee—comprising Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams—to create a seal that would represent the new nation. Each member proposed different designs, many drawing from classical or religious imagery, but none gained consensus.

It wasn’t until 1782, when Secretary of Congress Charles Thomson synthesized elements from multiple proposals, that a final design emerged. His version featured a bald eagle with outstretched wings, holding an olive branch in one talon and arrows in the other, symbolizing the nation’s desire for peace but readiness for war. Above its head were thirteen stars arranged in a constellation, representing the original colonies. This design was adopted by Congress on June 20, 1782, marking the official moment the bald eagle entered America’s symbolic lexicon.

Why the Bald Eagle? Symbolism and Debate

The choice of the bald eagle was not without controversy. Some historical accounts suggest Benjamin Franklin preferred the wild turkey, which he considered more courageous and authentically American. In a 1784 letter to his daughter, Franklin criticized the eagle as a bird of ‘bad moral character,’ noting that it often steals food from other birds and avoids honest labor. Despite this, the bald eagle prevailed due to its majestic appearance, powerful flight, and native presence across much of North America.

Culturally, the bald eagle resonated with the ideals of sovereignty and independence. As a raptor at the top of the food chain, it symbolized strength and authority. Its ability to soar high above the landscape mirrored the aspirations of a young republic aiming for greatness. Unlike imported symbols, the bald eagle was indigenous—a true representation of American wilderness and resilience.

Biological Profile: The Real Bald Eagle

Beyond symbolism, the bald eagle (*Haliaeetus leucocephalus*) is a fascinating species biologically. Despite the name, it is not actually bald; the term comes from an older meaning of 'bald'—meaning 'white-headed.' Adults develop a distinctive white head and tail at around four to five years of age, contrasting sharply with their dark brown bodies and wings.

These birds of prey are found throughout North America, primarily near large bodies of water where fish—their primary food source—are abundant. They build some of the largest nests in the avian world, sometimes exceeding ten feet across and weighing over a ton. Mated pairs often return to the same nest year after year, adding new materials each breeding season.

Bald eagles can live up to 20–30 years in the wild and have a wingspan ranging from 5.9 to 7.5 feet. Their eyesight is estimated to be four to eight times sharper than that of humans, allowing them to spot prey from great distances. Though they are skilled hunters, they are also opportunistic feeders and will scavenge or steal food from other animals, including ospreys—a trait that likely contributed to Franklin’s criticism.

Conservation History and Recovery

Ironically, the national symbol once faced near extinction. By the mid-20th century, widespread use of the pesticide DDT caused thinning of eggshells, leading to reproductive failure. Habitat destruction and hunting further reduced populations. In 1963, only 417 known nesting pairs remained in the contiguous United States.

The turning point came with the passage of the Endangered Species Act in 1973 and the banning of DDT in 1972. Federal protection, habitat restoration, and captive breeding programs led to a dramatic recovery. In 2007, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the bald eagle from the endangered species list. Today, there are over 300,000 individuals across the country, a testament to successful conservation efforts.

Year	Event	Significance
1782	Adoption of the Great Seal	Bald eagle becomes national symbol
1940	Bald Eagle Protection Act passed	First federal law protecting the species
1973	Endangered Species Act enacted	Enhanced legal protections
2007	Removed from Endangered Species List	National recovery success story

Is the Bald Eagle Officially the National Bird?

A common misconception is that a specific act of Congress formally designated the bald eagle as the national bird. In reality, no such legislation exists. Its status stems entirely from its role on the Great Seal. However, this symbolic adoption has been universally accepted by government agencies, educational institutions, and the public. The President uses the seal on official documents, military insignia feature the eagle, and it appears on currency—all reinforcing its de facto status as the national bird.

In recent years, there have been occasional calls to pass formal legislation confirming the bald eagle as the national bird, both to clarify its status and honor its conservation journey. While such bills have been introduced, none have become law. Nevertheless, its cultural and institutional recognition remains unchallenged.

Where to See Bald Eagles: A Guide for Birdwatchers

For those interested in observing bald eagles in the wild, timing and location are key. The best viewing opportunities occur during winter months (December to February), when northern populations migrate south in search of open water and food. Areas with large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs attract concentrations of eagles.

Top locations include:

• Chesapeake Bay, Maryland/Virginia: One of the densest populations in the U.S., especially around the Susquehanna River.
• Alaska: Home to the largest population, particularly in Southeast Alaska and along the Chilkat River in Haines.
• Upper Mississippi River: Wintering grounds stretch from Minnesota to Illinois.
• Florida: Year-round resident population, especially around lakes and wetlands.
• Near dams and hydroelectric stations: These areas prevent freezing and concentrate fish, attracting eagles.

Practical tips for observing bald eagles:

1. Use binoculars or a spotting scope—eagles often perch high in trees or on snags.
2. Visit early in the morning when they are most active.
3. Look for large nests (aeries) in tall trees near water.
4. Join local eagle-watching festivals, such as the National Bald Eagle Day events in January.
5. Respect wildlife regulations—stay at least 330 feet away from nests to avoid disturbing breeding pairs.

Common Misconceptions About the National Bird

Several myths persist about the bald eagle’s designation. One is that it was chosen unanimously by the Founding Fathers. In fact, the selection was part of a lengthy and debated process involving multiple designers and rejected concepts. Another myth is that the bald eagle is unique to the United States. While it is the national bird of the U.S., it is also found in Canada, Mexico, and parts of northern Russia.

Additionally, some believe the bald eagle is aggressive toward humans. In reality, they typically avoid human contact and pose little threat unless defending a nest. Finally, despite Franklin’s famous critique, there is no evidence he formally opposed the eagle’s selection during the Great Seal debates—his comments came years later in private correspondence.

Educational and Cultural Significance Today

The bald eagle continues to play a vital role in American education and civic life. It is featured in school textbooks, government websites, and patriotic displays. Many states and organizations use stylized versions of the eagle in logos and emblems. Native American cultures also revere the eagle, using its feathers in spiritual ceremonies—though strict laws regulate possession due to conservation concerns.

In classrooms, teachers use the bald eagle’s recovery story to illustrate environmental science principles, such as ecosystem interdependence, pollution impacts, and the effectiveness of policy interventions. Its journey from brink-of-extinction to thriving symbol offers hope and a model for future conservation efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the bald eagle ever legally declared the national bird by Congress?

No, there is no federal law that officially names the bald eagle as the national bird. Its status comes from its adoption on the Great Seal of the United States in 1782.

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

The bald eagle was seen as more majestic and symbolically powerful. Although Benjamin Franklin expressed a preference for the turkey, the eagle’s strength, native range, and regal appearance made it the preferred choice for national symbolism.

Can you see bald eagles year-round in the United States?

Yes, but visibility depends on region. Southern states like Florida have resident populations, while northern areas see eagles mainly in winter when they migrate south for food.

What does the olive branch and arrows in the eagle’s talons represent?

The olive branch symbolizes peace, while the arrows represent the nation’s readiness to defend itself through war. Together, they reflect a balance between diplomacy and defense.

How did the bald eagle recover from near extinction?

Recovery was achieved through the banning of DDT, enforcement of the Endangered Species Act, habitat protection, and reintroduction programs. Public awareness and federal/state cooperation were critical to its comeback.