The national bird of the United States is the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). It was officially designated as the national bird in 1782 when the Great Seal of the United States was adopted.
Lifespan of up to 30 years in the wild.
Builds massive nests, sometimes up to 10 feet wide.
Once endangered, but conservation efforts helped its recovery.
✔ Native to North America – It is found only in North America, making it a unique and appropriate symbol.
✔ Majestic Appearance – Its white head, dark brown body, and sharp beak and talons give it a noble and fierce look.
✔ Long Lifespan and Strong Survival Instinct – Bald eagles can live up to 30 years in the wild, showing endurance and perseverance.
A Bald Eagle holding an olive branch (symbolizing peace) and 13 arrows (symbolizing strength and war if necessary).
A shield with 13 red and white stripes, representing the 13 original colonies.
A banner in the eagle’s beak reading "E Pluribus Unum", meaning "Out of many, one"—symbolizing unity.
He believed the wild turkey was a more respectable bird.
He called the bald eagle "a bird of bad moral character" because it steals food from other birds.
Franklin described the turkey as a "brave and honest" bird that would defend its territory.
However, his opinion did not change the decision, and the Bald Eagle remained the national bird.
✔ Common in the United States, Canada, and northern Mexico.
✔ Prefer habitats near lakes, rivers, and coasts where they can hunt for fish.
Birds and small mammals – They also hunt ducks, rabbits, and squirrels.
Scavengers – Sometimes they steal food from other birds or eat dead animals.
They can spot prey from over a mile away.
They swoop down at high speeds (up to 100 mph) to grab fish with their talons.
Hunting – In the 1800s and early 1900s, bald eagles were hunted for sport.
Pesticides (DDT) – The pesticide DDT weakened their eggshells, leading to fewer hatchlings.
Habitat Loss – Deforestation and pollution reduced their nesting areas.
✔ Ban on DDT (1972) – Helped eagle populations recover.
✔ Conservation efforts – Wildlife organizations worked to protect eagle habitats.
Removed from the Endangered Species List in 2007
Now classified as "Least Concern", meaning their population is stable
Builds massive nests – Their nests can be up to 10 feet wide and weigh 1,000 pounds!
Mates for life – Bald eagles stay with one partner for their whole life.
Can fly up to 10,000 feet in the air – Higher than most airplanes fly!
Sharp vision – They can see a rabbit from over 3 miles away.
On Military Insignias – Used in the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force symbols.
On U.S. Coins and Stamps – Appears on the quarter, dollar bills, and postage stamps.
Used in Patriotic Logos – Common in American brands, sports teams, and organizations.
✔ Native to North America – Found only in the U.S. and Canada, making it unique to the region.
✔ Majestic and Fierce – With its sharp talons, hooked beak, and piercing eyes, it embodies dominance and courage.
✔ Longevity and Endurance – Bald Eagles live 20-30 years in the wild, showing resilience.
A Bald Eagle holding:
"A bird of bad moral character" because it steals food from other birds.
"Lazy" because it prefers scavenging over hunting.
Instead, Franklin supported the wild turkey, describing it as:
"A more respectable bird"
"Brave and honest"
"A true native of America"
However, Franklin’s preference was ignored, and the Bald Eagle remained the national bird.
✔ Common in the U.S., Canada, and northern Mexico.
✔ Prefer habitats near lakes, rivers, and coastal areas for easy access to fish.
Other prey: Birds, rabbits, squirrels, and small mammals.
Scavengers: Will steal food from other birds or eat dead animals.
Spots prey from over a mile away.
Dives at up to 100 mph to catch fish with razor-sharp talons.
Hunting: Bald eagles were shot by farmers and hunters.
DDT Pesticide (1940s-1970s): Made eagle eggshells too thin, reducing hatch rates.
Habitat Loss: Deforestation and pollution destroyed nesting areas.
✔ DDT Ban (1972) – Helped eagle populations recover.
✔ Conservation Efforts – National parks and breeding programs were established.
Removed from the Endangered Species List in 2007
Now classified as "Least Concern", meaning their population is stable
Spiritual protection
Wisdom and leadership
Strength and bravery
Eagle feathers are used in:
Ceremonial headdresses
Rituals and prayers
War bonnets for warriors
U.S. law protects the use of eagle feathers, allowing only Native American tribes to possess them legally.
Builds the biggest nests – Up to 10 feet wide and weighing 1,000 pounds!
Mates for life – They stay with one partner forever.
Flies up to 10,000 feet high – Higher than most planes fly!
Sharpest vision in the animal kingdom – Can see a rabbit from 3 miles away!
9. Laws Protecting Bald Eagles in the U.S.
Several laws protect Bald Eagles from harm:
✔ Bald Eagle Protection Act (1940) – Made it illegal to kill, capture, or sell bald eagles.
✔ Endangered Species Act (1967-2007) – Helped prevent extinction.
✔ Migratory Bird Treaty Act (1918) – Prevents illegal hunting.
Violating these laws can result in:
Fines up to $250,000
Up to 2 years in prison
On U.S. Coins and Stamps – Appears on the quarter, dollar bills, and postage stamps.
Used in Patriotic Logos – Seen in logos of sports teams, government agencies, and businesses.
Today, the Bald Eagle remains one of the most respected and recognizable symbols of the United States.
Why Was the Bald Eagle Chosen?
- Symbol of Strength and Freedom – The bald eagle represents power, independence, and resilience, key values of the U.S.
- Native to North America – It is found only in North America, making it a unique and fitting national symbol.
- Majestic Appearance – With its white head, dark brown body, and sharp talons, the bald eagle is seen as noble and fierce.
Fun Facts About the Bald Eagle
Largest bird of prey in North America, with a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet.Lifespan of up to 30 years in the wild.
Builds massive nests, sometimes up to 10 feet wide.
Once endangered, but conservation efforts helped its recovery.
Did You Know?
Ben Franklin opposed the bald eagle as the national bird! He preferred the wild turkey, calling the bald eagle "a bird of bad moral character" because it steals food from other birds.The Bald Eagle: The National Bird of the United States
The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is the official national bird and national symbol of the United States. It was chosen for its strength, independence, and majestic appearance.1. History: Why Was the Bald Eagle Chosen?
The Bald Eagle was designated as the national bird on June 20, 1782, when it was included on the Great Seal of the United States.Reasons for Choosing the Bald Eagle
✔ Symbol of Strength and Freedom – The Bald Eagle represents the power, courage, and resilience of the American people.✔ Native to North America – It is found only in North America, making it a unique and appropriate symbol.
✔ Majestic Appearance – Its white head, dark brown body, and sharp beak and talons give it a noble and fierce look.
✔ Long Lifespan and Strong Survival Instinct – Bald eagles can live up to 30 years in the wild, showing endurance and perseverance.
Who Designed the Great Seal?
The Great Seal of the U.S. was created by Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, and was approved on June 20, 1782. It features:A Bald Eagle holding an olive branch (symbolizing peace) and 13 arrows (symbolizing strength and war if necessary).
A shield with 13 red and white stripes, representing the 13 original colonies.
A banner in the eagle’s beak reading "E Pluribus Unum", meaning "Out of many, one"—symbolizing unity.
2. Ben Franklin’s Opposition: Did He Want the Turkey Instead?
Yes! Ben Franklin was not a fan of the bald eagle as the national bird. In a letter to his daughter, he wrote:He believed the wild turkey was a more respectable bird.
He called the bald eagle "a bird of bad moral character" because it steals food from other birds.
Franklin described the turkey as a "brave and honest" bird that would defend its territory.
However, his opinion did not change the decision, and the Bald Eagle remained the national bird.
3. Physical Characteristics of the Bald Eagle
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Haliaeetus leucocephalus |
| Wingspan | 6 to 7.5 feet |
| Height | 2.5 to 3 feet |
| Weight | 6 to 14 pounds |
| Lifespan | 20-30 years (wild), 50 years (captivity) |
| Speed | Can fly up to 100 mph while diving |
| Vision | Can see 4-5 times better than humans |
| Diet | Mainly fish, but also small mammals and birds |
4. Bald Eagle Habitat and Behavior
Where Do Bald Eagles Live?
✔ Found only in North America.✔ Common in the United States, Canada, and northern Mexico.
✔ Prefer habitats near lakes, rivers, and coasts where they can hunt for fish.
What Do Bald Eagles Eat?
Primarily fish – Bald eagles are excellent hunters and catch fish with their sharp talons.Birds and small mammals – They also hunt ducks, rabbits, and squirrels.
Scavengers – Sometimes they steal food from other birds or eat dead animals.
How Do They Hunt?
Bald eagles have powerful eyesight—about 4-5 times sharper than human vision.They can spot prey from over a mile away.
They swoop down at high speeds (up to 100 mph) to grab fish with their talons.
5. Bald Eagle Conservation: From Endangered to Protected
Why Were Bald Eagles Endangered?
Hunting – In the 1800s and early 1900s, bald eagles were hunted for sport. Pesticides (DDT) – The pesticide DDT weakened their eggshells, leading to fewer hatchlings. Habitat Loss – Deforestation and pollution reduced their nesting areas.How Were They Saved?
✔ Bald Eagle Protection Act (1940) – Made it illegal to kill, capture, or sell bald eagles.✔ Ban on DDT (1972) – Helped eagle populations recover.
✔ Conservation efforts – Wildlife organizations worked to protect eagle habitats.
Current Status
Removed from the Endangered Species List in 2007 Now classified as "Least Concern", meaning their population is stable6. Fun Facts About the Bald Eagle
Largest bird of prey in North America – With a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet.Builds massive nests – Their nests can be up to 10 feet wide and weigh 1,000 pounds!
Mates for life – Bald eagles stay with one partner for their whole life.
Can fly up to 10,000 feet in the air – Higher than most airplanes fly!
Sharp vision – They can see a rabbit from over 3 miles away.
7. The Bald Eagle in American Culture
On the Great Seal – Featured on U.S. currency, government documents, and passports.On Military Insignias – Used in the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force symbols.
On U.S. Coins and Stamps – Appears on the quarter, dollar bills, and postage stamps.
Used in Patriotic Logos – Common in American brands, sports teams, and organizations.
8. The Bald Eagle vs. Other National Symbols
| Symbol | What It Represents |
|---|---|
| Bald Eagle | Freedom, strength, independence |
| July 4th | Independence Day, national pride |
| The Star-Spangled Banner | National anthem, patriotism |
| Statue of Liberty | Liberty and welcoming immigrants |
| U.S. Flag | Unity, freedom, democracy |
The Bald Eagle: The National Bird of the United States
The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is the official national bird and national symbol of the United States. It represents strength, freedom, and resilience. This guide covers everything about the Bald Eagle, from history and symbolism to conservation and cultural significance.1. Why Was the Bald Eagle Chosen?
History of Selection
On June 20, 1782, the Bald Eagle was officially chosen as the national bird of the United States when it was included on the Great Seal of the United States.Reasons for Choosing the Bald Eagle
✔ Symbol of Strength and Freedom – The eagle’s power and majesty represent the core values of America.✔ Native to North America – Found only in the U.S. and Canada, making it unique to the region.
✔ Majestic and Fierce – With its sharp talons, hooked beak, and piercing eyes, it embodies dominance and courage.
✔ Longevity and Endurance – Bald Eagles live 20-30 years in the wild, showing resilience.
2. The Bald Eagle in the Great Seal of the U.S.
The Great Seal of the United States was designed by Charles Thomson and approved by Congress on June 20, 1782. It features:A Bald Eagle holding:
- An olive branch (peace)
- 13 arrows (strength and readiness for war)
A shield with 13 red and white stripes, representing the original 13 colonies.
A banner in the eagle’s beak reading "E Pluribus Unum", meaning "Out of many, one" (unity).
3. Ben Franklin’s Opposition: Did He Want the Turkey Instead?
Yes! Ben Franklin opposed the Bald Eagle as the national bird. He wrote to his daughter, calling the Bald Eagle: "A bird of bad moral character" because it steals food from other birds. "Lazy" because it prefers scavenging over hunting.Instead, Franklin supported the wild turkey, describing it as:
"A more respectable bird"
"Brave and honest"
"A true native of America"
However, Franklin’s preference was ignored, and the Bald Eagle remained the national bird.
4. Physical Characteristics of the Bald Eagle
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Haliaeetus leucocephalus |
| Wingspan | 6 to 7.5 feet |
| Height | 2.5 to 3 feet |
| Weight | 6 to 14 pounds |
| Lifespan | 20-30 years (wild), up to 50 years (captivity) |
| Speed | Flies up to 40 mph, dives at 100 mph |
| Vision | 4-5 times better than humans |
| Diet | Mostly fish, but also small mammals and birds |
5. Bald Eagle Habitat and Behavior
Where Do Bald Eagles Live?
✔ Found only in North America.✔ Common in the U.S., Canada, and northern Mexico.
✔ Prefer habitats near lakes, rivers, and coastal areas for easy access to fish.
What Do Bald Eagles Eat?
Primary diet: Fish, including salmon, trout, and herring.Other prey: Birds, rabbits, squirrels, and small mammals.
Scavengers: Will steal food from other birds or eat dead animals.
How Do They Hunt?
Superior eyesight—4-5 times stronger than humans.Spots prey from over a mile away.
Dives at up to 100 mph to catch fish with razor-sharp talons.
6. Bald Eagle Conservation: From Endangered to Protected
Why Were Bald Eagles Endangered?
Hunting: Bald eagles were shot by farmers and hunters. DDT Pesticide (1940s-1970s): Made eagle eggshells too thin, reducing hatch rates. Habitat Loss: Deforestation and pollution destroyed nesting areas.How Were They Saved?
✔ Bald Eagle Protection Act (1940) – Made killing or capturing bald eagles illegal.✔ DDT Ban (1972) – Helped eagle populations recover.
✔ Conservation Efforts – National parks and breeding programs were established.
Current Status
Removed from the Endangered Species List in 2007 Now classified as "Least Concern", meaning their population is stable7. The Bald Eagle in Native American Culture
The Bald Eagle is sacred in many Native American tribes, symbolizing:Spiritual protection
Wisdom and leadership
Strength and bravery
Eagle feathers are used in:
Ceremonial headdresses
Rituals and prayers
War bonnets for warriors
U.S. law protects the use of eagle feathers, allowing only Native American tribes to possess them legally.
8. Fun Facts About the Bald Eagle
Largest bird of prey in North America – Wingspan up to 7.5 feet!Builds the biggest nests – Up to 10 feet wide and weighing 1,000 pounds!
Mates for life – They stay with one partner forever.
Flies up to 10,000 feet high – Higher than most planes fly!
Sharpest vision in the animal kingdom – Can see a rabbit from 3 miles away!
9. Laws Protecting Bald Eagles in the U.S. 
Several laws protect Bald Eagles from harm:✔ Bald Eagle Protection Act (1940) – Made it illegal to kill, capture, or sell bald eagles.
✔ Endangered Species Act (1967-2007) – Helped prevent extinction.
✔ Migratory Bird Treaty Act (1918) – Prevents illegal hunting.
Violating these laws can result in:
Fines up to $250,000 Up to 2 years in prison10. The Bald Eagle in American Culture
On the Great Seal – Featured on U.S. currency, passports, and military insignias.On U.S. Coins and Stamps – Appears on the quarter, dollar bills, and postage stamps.
Used in Patriotic Logos – Seen in logos of sports teams, government agencies, and businesses.
Conclusion: Why the Bald Eagle Represents the U.S.
The Bald Eagle is the perfect national bird because it symbolizes freedom, power, and resilience—the core values of the United States of America. Though once endangered, it has made a strong comeback, proving its strength and survival, just like the country it represents.Today, the Bald Eagle remains one of the most respected and recognizable symbols of the United States.