12. Eagle — Do you know the only eagle endemic to North America? The bald eagle is really all-American! This bird of prey became the U.S. national emblem on June 20, 1782. With its brown body, white head and a wingspan of six to eight feet, the bald eagle strikes a dramatic image in flight or at rest. They prefer large, old-growth trees near waterways to perch and build immense nests upon. The bald eagle was on the brink of extinction in the late 20th century, but conservation efforts preserved its Wild Spirit and saved our country’s living symbol for freedom.