The Bald Eagle Officially Declared U.S National Bird by President Biden after 250 Years
On Christmas Eve, President Joe Biden signed a law officially naming the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States. This iconic bird, with its white head and yellow beak, has symbolized the nation for centuries but was never formally recognized until now.
The bald eagle has been a prominent emblem in U.S. history, and it has been featured on the Great Seal of the United States since 1782. However, it wasn’t legally designated as the national bird until Congress passed a bill last week, which President Biden signed into law.
“For nearly 250 years, we’ve referred to the bald eagle as our national bird without an official title,” said Jack Davis, co-chair of the National Bird Initiative at the National Eagle Center. “Now, it’s official, and no bird is more deserving of this honor.”
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The bird’s status has not always been universally admired. Founding Father Benjamin Franklin famously criticized the bald eagle, calling it a “bird of bad moral character.” Despite this, many Americans have viewed bald eagles as symbols of strength, courage, freedom, and immortality. Uniquely, the bald eagle is native to North America, further solidifying its status as a U.S. emblem.
Minnesota lawmakers played a key role in advancing the legislation. The state boasts one of the largest bald eagle populations in the country, as highlighted by Senator Amy Klobuchar.
The bald eagle has been protected under the National Emblem Act of 1940, which makes hunting or selling the species illegal. Once near extinction, the bald eagle population has made a remarkable recovery, particularly since 2009.
This historic designation was among 50 bills signed into law by President Biden on Christmas Eve, further emphasizing the enduring importance of the bald eagle to the nation.
The Bald Eagle Officially Declared U.S National Bird by President Biden after 250 Years
