Let’s talk about United States of America National Bird. The bald eagle, scientifically known as Haliaeetus leucocephalus, is a majestic bird of prey that is found in North America. It has been the national bird of the United States of America since 1782, and it is a symbol of strength, freedom, and resilience. In this article, we will explore the history, characteristics, habitat, behavior, and conservation of the bald eagle.
History of the United States of America National Bird
The First Designation
The bald eagle was first designated as the national emblem of the United States of America on June 20, 1782, by the Continental Congress. The Congress chose the bald eagle because of its strength, majesty, and long life. It was also seen as a symbol of the United States of America’s freedom and independence.
The Controversy
However, the selection of the bald eagle as the national bird was not without controversy. Some people believed that the bald eagle was a scavenger and not a noble bird of prey. Others felt that the bald eagle was too common and lacked uniqueness. As a result, some people proposed other birds such as the wild turkey, the American goose, and the golden eagle as more suitable candidates for the national bird.
Characteristics of the Bald Eagle
Physical Appearance
The bald eagle is a large bird of prey with a wingspan of up to 7 feet. It has a white head, neck, and tail, with a dark brown body and wings. The beak and talons are yellow, and the eyes are pale yellow. Juvenile bald eagles are mostly brown and only develop their characteristic white head and tail feathers after about four to five years.
Diet
The bald eagle is a carnivorous bird that primarily feeds on fish. It is also known to feed on small mammals, birds, and carrion.
Behavior
Bald eagles are solitary birds that mate for life. They are known for their impressive flying skills and can soar for hours without flapping their wings. They build large nests in tall trees near bodies of water and will use the same nest for many years.
Habitat and Distribution
Habitat
The bald eagle is found in North America and is commonly found near bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and coasts. They prefer tall trees for nesting and require open spaces for hunting.
Distribution
The bald eagle’s range extends throughout most of North America, from Alaska and Canada to northern Mexico. Bald eagles were once found throughout the United States of America but were severely endangered due to hunting, habitat destruction, and the use of pesticides like DDT.
Conservation Efforts for the United States of America National Bird
Threats to the Bald Eagle
The bald eagle was listed as an endangered species in the United States of America in 1978 due to a drastic decline in their population. The main threats to the bald eagle were hunting, habitat loss, and the use of pesticides. The pesticide DDT was particularly harmful to bald eagles, causing thinning of the eggshells and low reproductive rates.
Conservation Efforts
Conservation efforts to protect the bald eagle began in the 1940s, but it was not until the 1970s that significant progress was made. The banning of DDT in the United States of America in 1972 was a major victory for bald eagle conservation. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 also provided legal protection for bald eagles.
Conclusion
The bald eagle is a majestic bird of prey that has been the national bird of the United States for over two centuries. Its selection as the national bird was a significant milestone in the history of the United States of America. The bald eagle represents the country’s values of strength, freedom, and resilience, and it is a symbol that has stood the test of time. Despite being endangered for several decades, conservation efforts have ensured that the bald eagle population has made a significant recovery. Today, bald eagles can be seen flying high and free, a testament to the power of conservation efforts.
FAQs
- What does the bald eagle represent in the United States of America?
The bald eagle represents strength, freedom, and resilience in the United States of America.
- What is the scientific name of the bald eagle?
The scientific name of the bald eagle is Haliaeetus leucocephalus.
- Where is the bald eagle found?
The bald eagle is found in North America, primarily near bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and coasts.
- Why was the bald eagle chosen as the national bird of the United States of America?
The bald eagle was chosen as the national bird of the United States of America because of its strength, majesty, and long life. It was also seen as a symbol of the United States of America’s freedom and independence.
- Are bald eagles still endangered?
No, bald eagles are no longer considered endangered. Thanks to conservation efforts, the bald eagle population has made a significant recovery.
References
- “Bald Eagle.” National Geographic, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/b/bald-eagle/.
- “Bald Eagle: Haliaeetus Leucocephalus.” U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Necedah/wildlife_and_habitat/bald_eagle.html.
- “The Bald Eagle: America’s National Bird.” Smithsonian National Zoological Park, https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/bald-eagle.