The bald eagle has been officially declared the national bird of the United States following President Joe Biden’s signing of a law on Christmas Eve. The white-headed, yellow-beaked bird of prey has long been a symbol of the nation, featuring on the Great Seal of the United States since 1782. However, it was not formally recognized as the national bird until Congress passed the legislation last week, which was then signed by the president.
“For nearly 250 years, we called the bald eagle the national bird when it wasn’t,” noted Jack Davis, co-chair of the National Bird Initiative at the National Eagle Center. “Now the title is official, and no bird is more deserving.”
Despite its enduring status, the bald eagle’s national role has not been without controversy. Founding Father Benjamin Franklin criticized the bird, labeling it a “bird of bad moral character.” However, Congress did not share Franklin’s view. Historically, bald eagles have symbolized strength, courage, freedom, and immortality, as noted by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Uniquely, the bald eagle is native to North America, further solidifying its cultural significance.
Minnesota lawmakers spearheaded the effort to officially designate the bald eagle as the national bird, with Senator Amy Klobuchar highlighting the state’s significant bald eagle population. The species is also protected under the National Emblem Act of 1940, which prohibits its sale or hunting.
Once on the brink of extinction, the bald eagle population has rebounded significantly since 2009. This new law was part of a slate of 50 pieces of legislation signed by President Biden on Christmas Eve, which also included a federal anti-hazing law aimed at reducing violence and deaths on university campuses.
