Description
Bald Eagle, US National Emblem. The bald eagle was chosen June 20, 1782 as the emblem of the United States ofAmerica, because of its long life, great strength and majestic looks, and also because it was then believed to exist only on this continent.
Congress chose the American Bald Eagle to be our national bird in 1784. http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/symbols/eagle.html Benjamin Franklin thought that the wild turkey would be a better symbol because it was a much more respectable bird. The other members of Congress did not agree with Mr. Franklin.