Why Is The Bald Eagle America's National Bird? Find Out Now!

This is the forgotten story of America’s feathered Phoenix. How America’s national symbol went from near-extinction to soaring success!

ST. PAUL, MN – The majestic bald eagle, with its striking white head and tail contrasting against a dark brown body, has long been a symbol of American strength and freedom.

But the journey of this raptor from near-extinction to its current status as the United States’ national bird is a tale of conservation, controversy, and cultural significance.

The Great Seal Debate

In the wake of the American Revolution, the fledgling nation sought a symbol to represent its newfound independence. The task of creating the Great Seal of the United States fell to a committee of Founding Fathers, including Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams. Their initial attempts, however, failed to garner congressional approval.

It wasn’t until 1782 that Charles Thomson, the Secretary of Congress, synthesized various design elements from previous proposals. Thomson’s masterstroke was elevating the eagle to a prominent position in the seal, drawing inspiration from ancient Roman symbolism of power and authority.

Franklin’s Feathered Folly

A popular myth suggests that Benjamin Franklin advocated for the wild turkey as the national bird instead of the bald eagle. While Franklin did pen a letter to his daughter in 1784 criticizing the bald eagle’s character, there’s no evidence he formally protested the choice to Congress. Nevertheless, this anecdote has become a cherished part of American folklore.

A Symbol Under Siege

The bald eagle’s journey as a national icon took a perilous turn in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Habitat destruction, hunting, and environmental pollutants decimated the population. By the 1960s, the once-abundant species had dwindled to a mere 400 breeding pairs in the continental United States.

Conservation Comeback

The plight of the bald eagle spurred significant conservation efforts. The Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940 marked the beginning of federal intervention to save the species. However, the widespread use of DDT after World War II presented a new threat, contaminating the eagle’s food supply and causing reproductive failures.

It wasn’t until 1972, when DDT was banned, that the bald eagle population began to recover. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 provided further protections, and by 1995, the bald eagle’s status improved from endangered to threatened.

Soaring Success

In a triumphant moment for conservationists and patriotic Americans alike, the bald eagle was removed from the endangered species list in 2007. This remarkable recovery demonstrates the efficacy of environmental legislation and public awareness.

American bald eagle landing in water on lake

Beyond the Emblem

Today, the bald eagle’s significance extends far beyond its representation on the Great Seal. It graces currency, government buildings, and countless patriotic symbols. The cultures of Indigenous peoples have long revered the eagle as a sacred creature, adding layers of spiritual significance to its national symbolism.

The bald eagle’s resurgence serves as a powerful reminder of the impact humans can have on the natural world – for better or worse. As we continue to face environmental challenges, the story of the American bald eagle offers hope and inspiration for conservation efforts worldwide.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

We value your feedback! Did you find this article informative, inspiring, or thought-provoking? Leave a comment below and join the discussion. We appreciate your opinion and look forward to hearing from you!