Bald Eagle Officially Becomes National Bird

President Joe Biden signed a bill officially making the bald eagle the U.S. national bird.

The bill amends the United States Code to recognize the bird.

According to the bill, bald eagles are a “historical symbol of the United States representing independence, strength, and freedom,” is “unique to North America,” was “adopted as the Coat of Arms for the United States Great Seal,” and “remains the leading insignia for all branches of the United States military.”

The bird is further recognized as the “leading image on thousands of Federal Government branches, departments, and agencies, including the President, Vice-President, Congress, and Senate” and “serves as the logo, trademark, and brand icon for businesses, nonprofit organizations, and sports teams across the United States.” They are also “integral to the spiritual lives and sacred belief systems of most Indigenous peoples and Tribal communities” and are “prevalent in belief, practice, stories, ceremonies, dance, traditions, songs, regalia, flags, insignias, arts, craft, and other forms of spiritual reverence,” the bill states.

Bald eagle festivals are held in more than 100 locations across the nation.

As the bill awaited the presidential signature, Preston Cook, Co-Chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center, said, “The Bald Eagle has symbolized American ideals since its placement on the Great Seal in 1782. With this legislation, we honor its historic role and solidify its place as our national bird and an emblem of our national identity.”

“Thank you to Senators Klobuchar, Lummis, Mullin and Smith, and Representatives Finstad, Craig and Emmer for their leadership,” a White House statement on the bill says.

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