The American bald eagle became the national bird of the United States in 1782 due to its strength, freedom, and longevity. Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird. The species was protected by the Bald Eagle Act of 1940 and was removed from the endangered list in 2000. Bald eagles can live up to 35 years in the wild and 50 years in captivity, have a 9-foot wingspan, and mate for life.
The American bald eagle became the unofficial bird of the United States in 1782, the same year that the national seal featuring images of the species was adopted. At the time, the American bald eagle represented the only eagle native to the North American continent. It was chosen for its aspect of strength, freedom and longevity after an intense debate that lasted several years.
Founding Father Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird of the United States. He considered the bald eagle lazy because it took food caught by other birds, saying it represented bad moral character. Franklin also believed that the bald eagle lacked courage because it often came under attack from smaller birds. The turkey was more respectable and showed courage, Franklin believed.
After George Washington became the first president of the United States in 1789, the American bald eagle officially became the national bird of the United States. It has since appeared on postage stamps, banknotes and coins. On the official national seal, the bald eagle is shown with wings spread with an olive branch held in talons on one foot and 13 arrows grasped by the other foot. Thirteen red and white stripes, along with 13 stars, appear on a shield covering the bald eagle’s chest. A banner with the words E Pluribus Unum, Latin meaning among many, one, is clasped in the eagle’s beak.
The national bird of the United States lived in large numbers in the 1700s, until agriculture and westward movement of settlers began to destroy its habitat and food supplies. The Bald Eagle Act of 1940 aimed to protect the species’ dwindling numbers. Recovery efforts were hampered until some pesticides were banned. Scientists have found that these pesticides produce thin shells on eagle eggs that shatter easily or never hatch.
In 1963, there were only about 400 breeding pairs of bald eagles left in North America. The Endangered Species Act and some pesticide bans have become vital to preserving the United States’ national bird. This species was removed from the endangered list in 2000, but remained designated as threatened and was protected from severe penalties for those convicted of killing, capturing or injuring bald eagles.
The national bird of the United States can live up to 35 years in the wild and 50 years in captivity. It is known for its immense wingspan, which can reach 9 feet (2.7 meters). A bald eagle can fly at 30 miles per hour (48.2 kilometers per hour) while flying and up to 100 miles per hour (160.9 kilometers per hour) when diving to capture prey. It feeds on fish, small animals and carrion. Eagles mate for life and year after year they use the same nest, which can reach 9 meters in diameter.
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