In a move solidifying its symbolic status, President Joe Biden has officially declared the bald eagle the national bird of the United States. This formal recognition, signed into law on Christmas Eve, amends the U.S. Code and cements the predator's place as a national symbol. The bipartisan bill received unanimous support from both chambers of Congress.
While the bald eagle has long been associated with the nation, appearing on the Great Seal since 1782 and enjoying its own dedicated holiday and protective legislation, it had never been formally designated as the "national bird" until now. Although Congress had named it the national emblem in 1782, this recent bill makes the title official.
The bald eagle's image is ubiquitous, gracing official documents, the presidential flag, military insignia, and currency. This formal designation rectifies a previous inaccuracy in a document from the Department of Veterans Affairs, which had prematurely referred to the bald eagle as the national bird.
The White House commended Senators Klobuchar, Lummis, Mullin, Smith, and Representatives Finstad, Craig, and Emmer for their leadership in bringing this bill to fruition.
