Bald Eagle Officially Designated as the National Bird of the US

The bald eagle's long-standing status as the symbol of freedom and strength has finally been made official as President Joe Biden signed legislation designating it as the national bird of the US. The bird has been featured on the Great Seal since 1782, but only recently has it received formal recognition, ending a historical debate that even included objections from founding fathers.

In a landmark decision, President Joe Biden has officially declared the bald eagle, with its striking white head and yellow beak, as the national bird of the United States, bringing an end to nearly 250 years of informal association. This much-anticipated legislation, signed on Christmas Eve, follows a bill passed by Congress just days prior. The bald eagle has served as a national emblem since its depiction on the Great Seal of the United States in 1782, yet it lacked formal recognition until now.

Jack Davis, co-chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center, expressed pride in this decision, stating, "For nearly 250 years, we called the bald eagle the national bird when it wasn't. But now the title is official, and no bird is more deserving." Despite the widespread recognition, the bald eagle's national status was historically contested. Benjamin Franklin famously criticized its selection, referring to it as a “bird of bad moral character.” Nevertheless, the bird symbolizes ideals of strength, courage, and freedom, making it a fitting choice for the nation.

The initiative to formally designate the bald eagle as the national bird was led by lawmakers in Minnesota, a state known for its significant bald eagle population. The bird is also protected under the National Emblem Act of 1940, prohibiting its sale or hunting. After facing dire threats to its existence, the bald eagle's numbers have rebounded significantly since 2009, a testament to wildlife conservation efforts.

This legislative milestone is part of a broader set of 50 laws signed by President Biden on Christmas Eve, in a push to address various social issues, including a new federal anti-hazing law aimed at improving safety on university campuses.