The bald eagle has officially become the United States’ national bird after President Joe Biden signed legislation making it so. While the bald eagle has long been associated with American identity, particularly as the centerpiece of the Great Seal of the United States, it was never formally designated as the national bird until now. The measure to recognize the eagle was passed unanimously by Congress, reflecting broad bipartisan support for this symbolic correction.
Historically, the bald eagle’s place on the Great Seal dates back to 1782 when a design featuring the bird was approved by Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Continental Congress. The seal famously depicts the eagle carrying a shield, an olive branch, and arrows. However, the bird’s selection was not without controversy. Founding Father Benjamin Franklin famously opposed the choice, critiquing the eagle as a bird of “bad moral character” in a letter to his daughter, though his views did not prevail.
Bald Eagle Becomes U.S. National Bird After Biden Signs Legislation, Correcting Historic Oversight
For nearly 250 years, the bald eagle served as an emblem of the nation without an official designation. This oversight was brought to light by Preston Cook, a Minnesota resident with a lifelong fascination for the bald eagle. Cook drafted legislation to rectify the omission after discovering the lack of an official national bird. His efforts reflected a personal commitment to ensuring that the bald eagle’s symbolic role was formally recognized.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota led a bipartisan coalition to advance Cook’s proposal. The bill passed the Senate in July and the House shortly thereafter, both without opposition. Cook described the measure as a simple but meaningful correction to history. He emphasized that it required no changes beyond formally acknowledging what many already regarded as a national truth.
The bald eagle’s addition to the U.S. Code cements its status as an enduring icon of American ideals. Cook expressed satisfaction in helping make this symbolic correction, stating that it was about “making things the way they should be.” With this legislative act, the bald eagle now stands as an officially recognized symbol of national unity and pride.
