The bald eagle, a white-headed and yellow-beaked bird of prey that has long been a symbol of American strength and freedom, is now officially the national bird of the United States. President Joe Biden signed the landmark legislation into law on Christmas Eve, cementing the bird’s symbolic status in the country’s history.
What Is the History of the Bald Eagle as an Emblem?
While the bald eagle has been a national emblem for centuries—gracing the Great Seal of the United States since 1782—it was never officially recognized as the national bird. That changed last week when Congress passed a bill that finally designated the bald eagle with the honour, sending the legislation to President Biden for his signature.
“For nearly 250 years, we called the bald eagle the national bird when it wasn’t,” said a co-chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center. “But now the title is official, and no bird is more deserving.”
Why Did Franklin Oppose the Bald Eagle and What Was Congress's Response?
Not everyone throughout history has agreed on the bald eagle’s symbolic status. Founding Father Benjamin Franklin famously objected to its selection as a national emblem, describing it as a “bird of bad moral character.” However, other members of Congress embraced the bald eagle for its majestic qualities.
Bald and other eagles worldwide have been regarded as symbols of strength, courage, freedom, and immortality. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, the bald eagle’s distinction lies in its indigenous roots; it is native only to North America, making it uniquely suited to represent the United States.
How Did Minnesota Contribute to the Legislation?
The bill to formally designate the bald eagle as Minnesota lawmakers championed the national bird. A state senator highlighted the importance of Minnesota, which was described as home to one of the nation’s largest bald eagle populations.
“Minnesota takes pride in helping to secure the bald eagle’s future and ensuring its protection for generations to come,” the senator remarked.
What Is the Bald Eagle's Conservation Success Story?
The bald eagle’s journey to becoming a national symbol hasn’t always been smooth. In the mid-20th century, the species faced near extinction. However, the bald eagle population has remarkably recovered thanks to conservation efforts, particularly since 2009.
The bird is also protected under the National Emblem Act of 1940, making selling or hunting bald eagles illegal. This legal protection has played a critical role in safeguarding the species and preserving its status as a symbol of American resilience.
What Does This Legislation Mean for the Bald Eagle's Legacy?
The Bald Eagle Bill was one of 50 pieces of legislation signed into law by President Biden on Christmas Eve. Other bills included measures such as a federal anti-hazing law aimed at reducing violence and deaths on university campuses.
With this historic designation, the bald eagle is now officially recognized as a symbol of the nation’s strength, courage, and freedom—values it has represented for generations. The National Bird Initiative co-chair noted, “No bird is more deserving.”
