Washington, D.C. – The bald eagle, a long-standing emblem of the United States, has officially been designated as the national bird, marking a historic moment nearly 250 years in the making. President Joe Biden signed the landmark legislation into law on Christmas Eve, cementing the bird’s symbolic status.
The bald eagle has graced the Great Seal of the United States since 1782, appearing on official documents and embodying the nation’s ideals. However, until now, it lacked the formal recognition of being the national bird. This oversight was rectified last week when Congress passed the bill, sending it to the President’s desk for final approval.
“For nearly 250 years, we’ve called the bald eagle our national bird without it being official,” said Jack Davis, co-chair of the National Bird Initiative at the National Eagle Center. “Now, the title is finally formalized, and no bird is more deserving.”
The journey to this recognition has not been without controversy. Founding Father Benjamin Franklin famously objected to the bald eagle’s selection as a national symbol, disparaging it as a “bird of bad moral character.” Despite Franklin’s critique, the bald eagle’s image endured, representing strength, courage, freedom, and immortality—qualities celebrated by generations of Americans. Unique to North America, the bald eagle holds a special place in the nation’s identity.
The push for official recognition was led by Minnesota lawmakers, a state known for hosting one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the country. Senator Amy Klobuchar, a key advocate, highlighted the bird’s resilience and resurgence as a symbol of hope. Once on the brink of extinction, the bald eagle population has rebounded significantly since 2009, thanks to conservation efforts.
The bird’s protection under the National Emblem Act of 1940—which prohibits its hunting or sale—has played a vital role in its recovery. Today, the bald eagle stands as a testament to successful environmental stewardship and legislative action.
The new law is part of a broader legislative agenda tackled by President Biden, who signed 50 pieces of legislation on Christmas Eve. Among them was a federal anti-hazing law aimed at reducing violence and deaths on university campuses.
With this milestone, the bald eagle’s place in American heritage is now firmly secured, soaring as a symbol of the nation’s enduring spirit and its capacity for renewal.
