On December 24, 2024, President Joe Biden signed a historic piece of legislation officially making the bald eagle the national bird of the United States. While the bald eagle has long been a symbol of American strength, freedom, and resilience, it had never been formally recognized as the national bird until now. The bird has featured prominently on the Great Seal of the United States since 1782, and its image has been used in military insignia, official documents, and even U.S. currency. This new designation solidifies the eagle’s place as a central emblem of the nation’s identity.
The newly signed law amends Title 36 of the United States Code to officially designate the bald eagle as the national bird. The legislation passed through Congress with unanimous support, gaining the backing of key legislators such as Senators Amy Klobuchar, Cynthia Lummis, James Lankford, and Tina Smith, along with Representatives Brad Finstad, Angie Craig, and Tom Emmer. Their collective effort ensured the swift passage of this legislation, underscoring bipartisan support for the bill.
Native to North America, the bald eagle is a powerful and majestic bird, recognized for its striking white head, yellow beak, and brown body. The species was nearly driven to extinction due to hunting, habitat loss, and the effects of pesticide use, particularly DDT, but conservation efforts have allowed the bald eagle to make a significant recovery. This recovery is a testament to the country’s dedication to preserving its natural heritage and wildlife.
The bald eagle has become synonymous with American ideals—freedom, power, and independence. It’s a bird that has captured the nation’s imagination and spirit, representing not only the strength of the country but also the struggles it has faced and overcome. By making the bald eagle the official national bird, the bill also highlights the importance of ongoing conservation efforts to ensure the continued survival of this iconic species.
The new designation is part of a broader movement to protect the nation’s wildlife and environment. It serves as a reminder of the crucial role that conservation plays in maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems across the U.S. and around the world. The legislation also reinforces the commitment of the American people to preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of their country, ensuring that future generations will continue to experience the majesty of the bald eagle in the wild.
In recognizing the bald eagle as the national bird, the bill does more than celebrate a symbol—it affirms the nation’s responsibility to protect its wildlife and safeguard its natural resources for generations to come. The eagle’s enduring presence in the skies serves as a living reminder of what the nation stands for and its ongoing mission to safeguard the natural world.