Which bird did Benjamin Franklin propose as the national bird of the United States?

Benjamin Franklin proposed the turkey as the national bird of the United States due to its unique qualities and significance to American culture. He viewed the turkey as a more respectable symbol than the bald eagle, which he criticized for being a scavenger and not having the noble qualities he believed should represent the country. Franklin appreciated the turkey's intelligence, its native status, and its connection to the early settlers' celebrations, particularly Thanksgiving.

This perspective highlights Franklin’s desire for a symbol that better embodied virtues like moral integrity and connection to the land, aspects he felt the bald eagle did not fulfill. Franklin's writings emphasized that the turkey was a bird of courage and a creature worthy of respect, ultimately making it a better candidate for the national symbol in his eyes.