Bald Eagle Officially Designated as the National Bird of the U.S.

After 250 years of informal association, the bald eagle officially receives national bird status, highlighting its role as a symbol of strength and freedom.

On Christmas Eve, President Joe Biden took a monumental step by signing a law that officially designates the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States. This declaration aligns the bird, recognized for its white head and striking yellow beak, with its longstanding role as a national emblem, prominently featured on the Great Seal of the U.S. since 1782.

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

While most are familiar with the imagery of the eagle depicted on national documents, debate over its status has persisted. Founding Father Benjamin Franklin famously criticized the choice, labeling the eagle a "bird of bad moral character." Nevertheless, the eagle has become synonymous with ideals of strength and freedom, especially since it is indigenous to North America.

The movement to officially recognize the bald eagle as the national bird was primarily driven by lawmakers from Minnesota, which boasts one of the largest bald eagle populations in the country, as noted by Senator Amy Klobuchar. This iconic bird was previously protected under the National Emblem Act of 1940, making it illegal to hunt or sell.

Once on the verge of extinction, the bald eagle's numbers have significantly rebounded since 2009. Biden's affirmation of the bald eagle is part of a broader legislative response, as he signed 50 pieces of legislation that day, including a significant anti-hazing bill aimed at reducing violence and fatalities on college campuses.