What is the national bird of the United States?

The bald eagle was chosen June 20, 1782 as the emblem of the United States of America, because of its long life, great strength and majestic looks, and also because it was then believed to exist only on this continent.

The national bird of the USA lived in great numbers in the 1700s, until farming and the westward movement of settlers began destroying its habitat and food supply. The Bald Eagle Act of 1940 aimed to protect dwindling numbers of the species. Recovery efforts were hampered until certain pesticides were banned. Scientists discovered these pesticides produced thin shells on eagle eggs that shattered easily or never hatched.

This bird can live up to 35 years in the wild and 50 years in captivity. It is noted for its immense wingspan, which might reach up to 9 feet. A bald eagle can fly 30 miles per hour while soaring and up to 100 miles 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 up to 9 feet across.