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To celebrate America's 250th birthday, we at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are highlighting the incredible wildlife that calls this beautiful country home. From American icons to subtle specialists, join us as we highlight seven species each week: one species for each of the 250 days leading up to America's 250th birthday.
Sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)
The sockeye salmon is known for its epic migrations and spawning colors featuring a brilliant red body and green head. These salmon are born in freshwater but spend most of their lives in the ocean. They return to their natal streams to spawn, then die, providing nutrients to entire ecosystems.
Two-spotted bumble bee (Bombus bimaculatus)
The two-spotted bumble bee is a fuzzy, yellow-and-black pollinator found across the eastern United States and parts of southern Canada. It gets its name from two distinctive black spots at the upper surface of its thorax, though they can vary from bee to bee. Watch for these bees visiting wildflowers including clover and bergamot.
Indigo bunting (Passerina cyanea)
The indigo bunting is a small, stocky songbird named after the male's vibrant blue color. Females have a finch-like streaky brown appearance that helps them stay hidden while nesting. Watch for these beautiful birds from the southwest and east of the Rocky Mountains.
Great spangled fritillary (Speyeria cybele)
The great spangled fritillary is a large, fast-flying butterfly with bright orange wings featuring bold black spots above with shimmering silver spots on the underside. Found in meadows, fields and open woodlands across much of the U.S. and southern Canada, they're a summer staple among wildflowers.
Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
The red-tailed hawk is a common raptor found across most of North America. They have broad wings, soaring flight and a rusty tail. Listen for their distinctive calls, which are often used in place of bald eagle calls in the movie industry.
Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Happy 250th birthday, America! 🇺🇸 🦅 The bald eagle is an American icon and powerful symbol of conservation success. Known for the adult’s white head, yellow beak and impressive wingspan, don’t forget to watch for young bald eagles too. This time of year, young are learning to fly and hunt alongside their parents.
