The national bird of the United States is the bald eagle. This majestic bird was officially adopted as the national emblem of the United States of America in 1782.
Brief History
The bald eagle was chosen as the national bird because it is only found in North America, and it represents strength, courage, freedom and immortality. Eagles are large birds of prey that live mostly along coastlines, rivers, and lakes, where they build large nests and raise their young. The bald eagle gets its name from its white featherless head, but immature eagles are actually all brown. Bald eagles were once endangered but have made a comeback and are now regularly seen across the United States.
In contrast, the turkey is not the national bird of the United States. Turkeys are large ground-feeding birds that were domesticated by Native Americans long before Europeans arrived. While the turkey does have historical connections to the United States, it was the bald eagle that was officially designated as the national emblem in 1782.
Origin of the National Bird
The bald eagle was first proposed as the national bird in 1782 by the Continental Congress at the suggestion of Founding Father Benjamin Franklin. However, Franklin did not actually support the choice of the bald eagle and thought the turkey would be a better option. In a famous letter to his daughter, Franklin wrote:
“For my own part I wish the bald eagle had not been chosen as the representative of our country. He is a bird of bad moral character. He does not get his living honestly…For in truth, the turkey is in comparison a much more respectable bird, and withal a true original native of America.”
Despite Franklin’s misgivings, the bald eagle was adopted due to its majestic stature and representation of power. The turkey, though native to North America, was seen as less inspiring of a symbol. Beyond Franklin’s concerns, the bald eagle was consistent with many of the symbols and images used in American government and culture to represent independence and democracy.
Turkey’s Role in American History
While the turkey is not the national bird, it still has an important place in American history and culture. Here are some key facts about the history of turkeys in America:
- Turkeys were first domesticated by Native Americans in Mexico over 2000 years ago. The Aztecs called them “huexolotlin.”
- When Spanish explorers arrived in the 1500s, they brought turkeys back to Europe where they became popular as an exotic import.
- Colonists brought turkeys with them from Europe to Massachusetts in the 1600s. Turkeys were an important source of food and feathers.
- Benjamin Franklin objected to the bald eagle as the national bird because he believed turkeys were more typically American.
- Turkey continues to be a traditional part of Thanksgiving dinners and family meals.
- Turkey production is a billion dollar industry in the United States today.
The turkey has enduring symbolism in American history and culture, even if it missed out on being named the official national bird.
Official Recognition
The bald eagle was officially declared the national emblem of the United States in 1782 by the Founding Fathers. It was included in the Great Seal of the United States designed by Charles Thompson. Congress approved the design on June 20, 1782 stating:
“Resolved, that the bald eagle…shall be the national emblem.”
The bald eagle was incorporated into additional aspects of American government and identity such as:
- The presidential seal since the 1880s featuring an eagle behind the president
- Many early American coins featuring Lady Liberty with an eagle
- The flags and banners of the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard all contain eagles
No other bird has received the official recognition and designation as the national bird of the United States besides the bald eagle.
Threats and Protection
Despite being a national symbol, bald eagle populations severely declined in the lower 48 states between the 1870s and 1970s. Habitat loss and the use of pesticides like DDT that accumulated in the food chain nearly wiped out bald eagles entirely except for some populations in Alaska.
In 1940, Congress passed the Bald Eagle Protection Act to prohibit killing, selling, or possessing eagles and their nests. The ban on DDT in 1972 and additional legal protections allowed bald eagle populations to rebound. They were removed from the Endangered Species List in 2007 as populations increased to over 70,000 birds.
Bald Eagle Population 1917-2018
| Year | Breeding Pairs in Lower 48 States |
|---|---|
| 1918 | 100,000+ (estimated) |
| 1963 | 417 |
| 1973 | 417 |
| 1983 | 749 |
| 1993 | 4,450 |
| 2003 | 7,066 |
| 2013 | 9,789 |
| 2018 | 14,066 |
Bald eagles remain a protected species today with healthy and growing populations across most of the United States.
Cultural Significance
Beyond its status as the official national bird, the bald eagle is a prominent symbol in American culture. It represents values like strength, freedom, and democracy. Some examples of the bald eagle in American culture include:
- Appearing on currency, stamps, and government seals
- Used as a mascot for sports teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons
- Inspiring patriotic posters and images during war times
- Being used in advertisements and logos to symbolize patriotism
The bald eagle is instantly recognizable and has broad symbolic meaning to Americans. Even while turkeys play an important role in American history, the bald eagle has undisputed status as the sole national bird of the United States.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the national bird of the United States of America is definitively the bald eagle. This regal bird was officially adopted as the national emblem in 1782. Despite Benjamin Franklin’s objections, the bald eagle was chosen for its majestic stature and symbolism of freedom and democracy.
The turkey, though native to North America, does not hold the prestigious title of national bird. However, it still maintains an important place in American history and culture, especially through its connection to Thanksgiving traditions. While the bald eagle once faced extinction, it has rebounded and remains a vibrant American icon today.
So while both birds have represented American identity and values over time, it is the bald eagle alone that serves as the sole official national bird of the United States.
