The Bald Eagle Has Officially Been Named the National Bird of the United States

The bald eagle has been made the official national bird of the United States of America.

On Tuesday, Dec. 24, President Joe Biden signed legislation into law that officially recognizes the bird of prey as the country's national bird. Though the bald eagle has been a "historical symbol of the United States representing independence, strength and freedom" for nearly 250 years, according to the bill that was presented by Congress, it never received a formal designation.

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Known for its white head, yellow beak and brown body, the bald eagle is unique to North America. Its likeness was made the Coat of Arms for the United States Great Seal on June 20, 1782, notably featured on the $1 bill, as well as countless federal departments and agencies.

In their findings on the bill to amend Title 36 of the United States Code, Congress also noted that "bald eagles are integral to the spiritual lives and sacred belief systems of most Indigenous peoples and Tribal communities" and that festivals celebrating the bird are held in over "100 locations across the United States."

In 2021, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported that the bald eagle had quadrupled its numbers over a three-year period after previously being featured on the endangered species list.

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“This is an exciting day. The bald eagle has symbolized American ideals since its placement on the Great Seal in 1782,” said Preston Cook, co-chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center, who the NEC credits for discovering the omission in the US Code 15 years ago, in a statement.

Cook's co-chair, Jack Davis, added that "no bird is more deserving.“

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