After serving as a symbol of strength and freedom for over two centuries, the bald eagle has officially been named the national bird of the United States. On Christmas Eve, President Joe Biden signed bipartisan legislation, finally granting this majestic bird the legal recognition it has long symbolized.
A Historic Symbol Recognized at Last
Since its first appearance on the Great Seal of the United States in 1782, the bald eagle has represented the ideals of strength, courage, and independence. However, it wasn’t until 2023 that Congress officially designated it as the national bird, marking a monumental moment in the bird’s history.
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“For nearly 250 years, we called the bald eagle the national bird when it wasn’t,” said Jack Davis, co-chair of the National Bird Initiative. “Now the title is official, and no bird is more deserving.”
The legislation was championed by Minnesota lawmakers, whose state is home to one of the largest bald eagle populations in the country. This designation brings renewed focus to conservation efforts and the rich symbolism of the bald eagle, which is uniquely indigenous to North America.
The Bald Eagle’s Journey: From Near Extinction to Resurgence
The bald eagle’s population once faced critical threats due to habitat loss, illegal hunting, and exposure to the pesticide DDT. By the mid-20th century, the species was on the brink of extinction, with only 417 nesting pairs recorded in the contiguous United States in 1963.
The ban on DDT in 1972 and subsequent conservation laws, including the Endangered Species Act of 1973, played pivotal roles in the bald eagle’s recovery. Over decades, dedicated efforts helped the population rebound dramatically. By 2007, the bird was removed from the endangered species list, and today, there are over 316,000 bald eagles in the U.S., according to recent estimates.
“The bald eagle is an Endangered Species Act success story,” stated the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, emphasizing its protection under federal law, which prohibits harming or trading the bird.
Symbolism and Legacy of the Bald Eagle
The bald eagle’s majestic appearance—its white head, yellow beak, and piercing gaze—has made it a powerful emblem of American ideals. Founding Father Benjamin Franklin famously criticized the choice, but its widespread recognition as a symbol of freedom and resilience prevailed.
Appearing on coins, passports, military insignias, and national documents, the bald eagle represents peace and readiness for defense. Its enduring symbolism was beautifully described by President John F. Kennedy: “The fierce beauty and proud independence of this great bird aptly symbolize the strength and freedom of America.”
