4 AN AMERICAN SYMBOL Even if you have never seen a bald eagle up close you have probably seen one on money on a government building or on a state or national seal The bald eagle became the national bird of the United States in 1787 It was chosen by the Founding Fathers for several reasons It is the only kind of eagle that lives only in North America The bald eagle reflects the beauty of the country and is a The bald eagle is an important symbol of the United States It is on the presidential seal
5 Compare and Contrast Benjamin Franklin thought the turkey might be a better national bird than the bald eagle for its supposed courage How do the birds differ Which do you think serves as a better national symbol symbol of the strength and independence of the United States In the 1780s there were probably hundreds of thousands of bald eagles However by the mid-1900s hunters had killed many thousands Pollution and pesticides also killed eagles In the early 1960s fewer than 450 pairs were left Something had to be done to save the bald eagle AN AMERICAN SYMBOL Though bald eagles are fierce hunters themselves they could not defend themselves from the humans who hunted them
6 There are more than 50 species or kinds of eagles around the world The bald eagle is one of two eagle species found in the United States The bald eagle’s body is dark brown with a white tail When bald eagles become adults the feathers on their heads turn white These make the head look bald against the brown body even though it is not actually bald This is how the bird got its name The beak eyes and feet are yellow Like other SPOT THE BALD EAGLE A bald eagle can see a rabbit from about a mile 1 6 kilometers away
7 Think About It Some scientists think female eagles are larger than males so that they can hunt for different animals Why might this be important for eagle mates SPOT THE BALD EAGLE eagles bald eagles can see very well Female eagles are usually a bit larger than the males The adult male is about 36 inches 90 centimeters long Its wingspan may be 6 6 feet 2 meters wide Females may grow to be 43 inches 108 centimeters long and have a wingspan of 8 feet 2 5 meters Female bald eagles usually have larger wings feet and beaks than male bald eagles
