Bald Eagle Officially Designated as the National Bird of the US

After 250 years as a symbolic figure, the bald eagle gains official recognition in a move celebrated by many across the nation.

The bald eagle has now been officially designated as the national bird of the United States after President Joe Biden signed a significant piece of legislation on Christmas Eve. This momentous decision places the iconic white-headed, yellow-beaked bird of prey in the spotlight after it has served as a national emblem for nearly 250 years, prominently featured on the Great Seal of the United States since 1782. However, the bald eagle lacked official status until Congress passed the new bill last week, leading to this historic signing.

Jack Davis, co-chair of the National Bird Initiative at the National Eagle Center, reflected on the occasion, stating, "For nearly 250 years, we called the bald eagle the national bird when it wasn't. But now the title is official, and no bird is more deserving."

Most Americans recognize the symbolic eagle, often depicted with a shield displaying stars and stripes, clutching an olive branch in one talon and arrows in the other. Interestingly, the choice of the bald eagle was not without controversy. Founding Father Benjamin Franklin famously voiced his disapproval, deeming the bald eagle a "bird of bad moral character." Despite this dissent, the bird has long represented traits such as strength, courage, and freedom, as endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. The bald eagle stands out as an indigenous species exclusive to North America.

The initiative to officially recognize the bald eagle was notably led by lawmakers from Minnesota, which boasts one of the largest populations of these majestic birds in the nation, as highlighted by Senator Amy Klobuchar. In addition to its new title, the bald eagle's protection is reinforced by the National Emblem Act of 1940, which prohibits selling or hunting the species.

Following a dramatic decline in the eagle population, the number of bald eagles has rebounded significantly since 2009. Biden's signing of this legislation was part of a larger set of 50 bills he enacted on Christmas Eve, which also included measures aimed at combating hazing on university campuses.