The symbolism of the national bird of the United States was so important to the nation's founders that it took six years of raging debate to reach a decision. Among the candidates was the Golden Eagle, but that had been used by other nations. It also was extremely important to the founders that the national bird be uniquely American to symbolize America's strength, courage and freedom.

In 1782, Congress declared the Bald Eagle the national bird of the United States. The term "bald" refers not to a lack of feathers, but to the white feathers on the bird's head as derived from the old English word, piebald, which means marked with white.