The bald eagle is now officially recognized as the national bird of the United States, following the signing of a law by President Joe Biden on Christmas Eve. Although the eagle has served as a national emblem and has been featured on the Great Seal since 1782, this new legislation formalizes its status as the national bird after nearly 250 years. Jack Davis, co-chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center, remarked, "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."
The recognition of the bald eagle has not been without controversy. Founding Father Benjamin Franklin famously opposed its selection as the national symbol, criticizing the bird for having "bad moral character." Despite this dissent, many, including members of Congress, recognized the bald eagle as a representation of strength, courage, freedom, and immortality, values that resonate deeply with the American ethos.
The push for the legislation was led by lawmakers from Minnesota, which boasts one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the nation, as noted by Senator Amy Klobuchar. In addition to its newly bestowed title, the bald eagle is also protected under the National Emblem Act of 1940, which prohibits hunting or selling the bird. Once teetering on the brink of extinction, the bald eagle's population has seen a remarkable resurgence since 2009.
The bald eagle bill was just one of several pieces of legislation President Biden signed into law on that day, alongside measures aimed at addressing various societal issues including a federal law targeting hazing at universities.
The recognition of the bald eagle has not been without controversy. Founding Father Benjamin Franklin famously opposed its selection as the national symbol, criticizing the bird for having "bad moral character." Despite this dissent, many, including members of Congress, recognized the bald eagle as a representation of strength, courage, freedom, and immortality, values that resonate deeply with the American ethos.
The push for the legislation was led by lawmakers from Minnesota, which boasts one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the nation, as noted by Senator Amy Klobuchar. In addition to its newly bestowed title, the bald eagle is also protected under the National Emblem Act of 1940, which prohibits hunting or selling the bird. Once teetering on the brink of extinction, the bald eagle's population has seen a remarkable resurgence since 2009.
The bald eagle bill was just one of several pieces of legislation President Biden signed into law on that day, alongside measures aimed at addressing various societal issues including a federal law targeting hazing at universities.
