For over two centuries, the bald eagle has been a symbol of America’s strength, courage, and independence. Its image graces coins, seals, and government documents.
It is often associated with freedom and resilience. However, despite its iconic status, the bird was never officially recognized as the nation’s bird — until now.
On Christmas Eve, President Joe Biden signed a bill into law officially designating the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States, according to Ziare.
This move corrected a historical oversight that had left the bird’s title unconfirmed, even though it has been associated with American identity since 1782.
Not Always Embraced
Jack Davis, co-chair of the National Eagle Initiative, expressed his satisfaction with the decision.
“We’ve called it our national bird for nearly 250 years, but now it’s official. No other bird deserves it more,” he said.
The bald eagle was not always universally embraced. Benjamin Franklin famously criticized it, calling it a bird of “bad moral character” due to its scavenging habits.
He even suggested the wild turkey as a better national symbol. But over the years, the eagle's majesty and symbolism of power won over most Americans.
The legislation was introduced by lawmakers from Minnesota, a state known for its thriving bald eagle population.
Senator Amy Klobuchar, a lead sponsor of the bill, highlighted the importance of recognizing the bird officially.
The bald eagle has been federally protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act since 1940, making it illegal to hunt or harm the bird.
Once considered endangered due to habitat loss and pesticide use, its population has rebounded thanks to conservation efforts.
By 2009, the bird’s numbers had recovered enough to remove it from the endangered species list.
