In brief
In a landmark decision after nearly 250 years, the bald eagle has been officially named the national bird of the United States, a move celebrated by many.
The bald eagle now holds the official title of national bird after President Joe Biden signed a law on Christmas Eve. Although the majestic bird has been a symbol of the nation, featured prominently on the Great Seal since 1782, it lacked formal designation until Congress passed the bill last week. Jack Davis, co-chair of the National Bird Initiative at the National Eagle Center, remarked, "For nearly 250 years, we called the bald eagle the national bird when it wasn't...Now the title is official, and no bird is more deserving."The eagle, recognized for carrying a flag-emblazoned shield and holding an olive branch and arrows, has been a source of pride for many Americans. However, the bird wasn't universally accepted; Benjamin Franklin notably criticized it as a "bird of bad moral character." Despite differing opinions in the past, the bald eagle has long symbolized attributes like strength, courage, and freedom, being native only to North America—a fact underscored by its significant population in Minnesota, where the bill originated.Not only does this legislation provide the bald eagle with a national status, but it also recognizes the bird’s protection under the National Emblem Act of 1940, which prohibits hunting or selling the species. Once near extinction, the bald eagle population has rebounded since 2009. The bald eagle law is part of a larger package of 50 bills signed by Biden, including measures addressing university campus safety.
