Why the Bald Eagle Was Chosen as the National Bird

The bald eagle was chosen as the national bird of the United States due to its powerful symbolism of strength, freedom, and independence—values central to the nation’s founding ideals. When Congress officially adopted the bald eagle as the centerpiece of the Great Seal of the United States in 1782, it wasn’t merely selecting a native raptor; it was embracing a living emblem of resilience and sovereignty. This decision reflected both the cultural aspirations of a young republic and the biological uniqueness of a bird found only in North America. Understanding why the bald eagle was chosen as the national bird requires exploring its historical context, symbolic meaning, ecological significance, and enduring legacy in American identity.

Historical Context: The Great Seal and Early American Identity

In 1776, shortly after the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress appointed a committee—including Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson—to design a seal that would represent the newly formed United States. Over several years and multiple proposals, the final design featured the bald eagle holding an olive branch in one talon and arrows in the other, symbolizing the nation's preference for peace but readiness for war.

The actual adoption occurred on June 20, 1782, when Congress approved the third design by Secretary of Congress Charles Thomson, which prominently featured the bald eagle. At the time, the choice was not without controversy. Some Founding Fathers had different preferences—Benjamin Franklin famously expressed admiration for the turkey, criticizing the eagle as a bird of “bad moral character” due to its scavenging habits. However, the majority favored the eagle for its majestic appearance and its association with ancient empires like Rome and Greece, where eagles represented power and divine authority.

Symbolic Significance of the Bald Eagle

The bald eagle’s symbolism extends far beyond aesthetics. Its image conveys core American values:

• Freedom and Independence: As a bird that soars high above the land, the bald eagle represents liberty and the unbounded spirit of the American people.
• Strength and Courage: With a wingspan reaching up to 7.5 feet and powerful talons capable of gripping prey swiftly, the eagle embodies physical and moral strength.
\li>Unity: The eagle on the Great Seal holds a ribbon in its beak inscribed with E Pluribus Unum (“Out of many, one”), emphasizing national unity forged from diverse colonies.
• Resilience: Once endangered, the bald eagle’s recovery is seen as a testament to conservation success and national perseverance.

These symbolic associations made the bald eagle a natural choice over other native species. While not the most common bird in North America, its visibility near rivers, lakes, and coastlines—and its dramatic flight patterns—made it a familiar and awe-inspiring presence.

Biological and Ecological Traits of the Bald Eagle

To fully appreciate why the bald eagle was selected, one must also consider its unique biology. Scientifically known as Haliaeetus leucocephalus, the bald eagle is a bird of prey native exclusively to North America. It ranges from Alaska and Canada down through the contiguous United States and into parts of northern Mexico.

Key biological features include:

• Appearance: Adults have a distinctive white head and tail contrasting with a dark brown body and wings. This striking look develops around age 4–5, making mature birds instantly recognizable.
• Diet: Primarily piscivorous (fish-eating), bald eagles are often found near large bodies of water. They also scavenge and occasionally steal food from other birds—a behavior that drew criticism from Franklin but reflects survival adaptability.
• Nesting Habits: They build some of the largest nests in the avian world—up to 13 feet deep and weighing over a ton—usually in tall trees or on cliffs.
• Lifespan: In the wild, they live 20–30 years; in captivity, some exceed 50 years.

Unlike migratory birds that travel great distances seasonally, many bald eagle populations are resident, reinforcing their image as permanent fixtures of the American landscape.

Cultural and Spiritual Importance Beyond Politics

Long before European settlers arrived, Indigenous peoples across North America revered eagles for their spiritual significance. Among many Native American tribes, the bald eagle is considered a sacred messenger between humans and the Creator. Eagle feathers are used in ceremonies, regalia, and rites of passage, symbolizing honor, wisdom, and connection to the divine.

This deep cultural resonance added another layer of legitimacy to the bird’s selection as a national symbol. Although the U.S. government did not formally consult tribal nations during the creation of the Great Seal, the shared reverence for the eagle created an unintentional alignment between federal symbolism and indigenous tradition.

Conservation History and Legal Protection

Despite its honored status, the bald eagle faced near extinction in the 20th century. By the 1960s, only 417 nesting pairs remained in the lower 48 states, largely due to habitat destruction, hunting, and the widespread use of the pesticide DDT, which caused eggshell thinning.

The turning point came with the passage of key legislation:

• 1940 – Bald Eagle Protection Act: Prohibited killing, selling, or possessing bald eagles.
• 1972 – Ban on DDT: A critical step in allowing populations to rebound.
• 1973 – Endangered Species Act: Provided further legal safeguards.

Thanks to coordinated efforts by federal agencies, state governments, and conservation organizations, the bald eagle population recovered dramatically. In 2007, it was removed from the endangered species list—a milestone celebrated nationwide.

Year	Event	Impact on Bald Eagle
1782	Adoption into Great Seal	Official national symbol established
1940	Bald Eagle Protection Act	Legal protection begins
1972	DDT banned	Reproductive recovery enabled
2007	Delisted from Endangered Species	Population exceeds 10,000 breeding pairs

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

If you're wondering why the bald eagle was chosen as the national bird, seeing one in flight might provide the most compelling answer. Observing these magnificent raptors in their natural habitat offers insight into their grandeur and ecological role.

Best Places to Spot Bald Eagles:

• Alaska (Chilkat River): Home to the largest concentration of bald eagles, especially during salmon runs in fall.
• Florida: Has the highest number of nesting pairs in the contiguous U.S.
• Mississippi River (Upper Midwest): Wintering eagles gather where open water allows fishing.
• Washington State (Skagit River): Winter viewing opportunities during eagle festivals.

Tips for Successful Bald Eagle Watching:

1. Visit During Winter: Many eagles migrate south or to open water, increasing visibility.
2. Use Binoculars or Spotting Scopes: Eagles often perch high in trees or soar at great heights.
3. Look Near Water Bodies: Rivers, lakes, and reservoirs are prime hunting grounds.
4. Join Guided Tours: National wildlife refuges and parks often offer eagle-watching programs.
5. Respect Distance: Maintain at least 330 feet (100 meters) to avoid disturbing nesting or feeding birds.

Common Misconceptions About the Bald Eagle

Several myths persist about the national bird:

• Misconception 1: The bald eagle is aggressive toward humans. Truth: They avoid human contact and pose no threat unless defending a nest.
• Misconception 2: The bald eagle is truly “bald.” Truth: The name comes from an old English word “balde,” meaning white, referring to its white head.
• Misconception 3: It is the fastest bird. Truth: While fast in flight (reaching 30 mph level flight, 100+ mph in dives), the peregrine falcon is faster.
• Misconception 4: All eagles in the U.S. are bald eagles. Truth: Golden eagles are also native and more common in western regions.

The Bald Eagle in Modern American Culture

Today, the bald eagle appears on currency, military insignia, government documents, and sports team logos. It remains a potent symbol during patriotic events such as Independence Day and Veterans Day. Its resurgence has become a model for successful wildlife conservation, inspiring similar efforts for other species.

Schools teach children about the bald eagle as part of civics and science curricula, reinforcing its dual role as a biological entity and a cultural icon. Documentaries, live webcam feeds of eagle nests, and citizen science projects like eBird have increased public engagement with this national treasure.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Q: Is the bald eagle found outside the United States?
A: Yes. Its range includes Canada, Alaska, most of the contiguous U.S., and parts of northern Mexico. However, it is unique to North America.

Q: Why isn’t the golden eagle the national bird?
A: Though equally impressive, the golden eagle lacks the visual contrast and coastal prevalence of the bald eagle, and it wasn’t as widely recognized in early American symbolism.

Q: Can I keep a bald eagle feather I find?
A: No. Under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, it is illegal for non-Native Americans to possess eagle feathers. Authorized tribal members may obtain them through regulated channels.

Q: How can I help protect bald eagles today?
A: Support habitat conservation, report injured eagles to wildlife authorities, reduce plastic waste that pollutes waterways, and advocate for clean energy policies that minimize environmental harm.

In conclusion, understanding why the bald eagle was chosen as the national bird involves appreciating its rich blend of symbolism, history, and biological distinction. From its pivotal role in the Great Seal to its triumphant recovery from near extinction, the bald eagle continues to inspire pride, responsibility, and wonder among Americans and nature lovers worldwide.