US President Joe Biden on Tuesday officially declared the bald eagle the national bird of the United States. The legislation, passed by Congress and signed by the President, amends the US Code to formally recognize the bald eagle’s status. The bald eagle, recognizable by its white head, yellow beak, and brown body, has been a symbol of the nation for over 240 years.
This designation grants the bald eagle the same official status as the national mammal (American bison), national flower (rose), and national tree (oak).
A symbol of the nation since 1782
In 1782, the bald eagle became a central part of the Great Seal of the United States, used on official documents. The seal includes the eagle, an olive branch, arrows, a shield, the motto “E Pluribus Unum,” and a constellation of stars. Congress designated the bald eagle as the national emblem that same year. Its image appears on various official items, including the presidential flag, military insignia, US currency, and government documents, according to USA.gov. However, until now, it lacked the official designation as the national bird. The bald eagle is native to North America.

Preston Cook’s discovery sparks legislation
Preston Cook, a collector of eagle memorabilia, discovered the lack of official designation while writing a book. “It makes me feel like I’m levitating,” Cook said, as quoted by The Jamestown Sun. “I am thrilled this bill has passed the Senate and now the House to honor, after 240 years, our living symbol, the bald eagle. This bill gives the bald eagle the recognition it fully deserves.”
Legislation passes through Congress
The House passed the bill on December 16 to make the designation official by voice vote. The Senate unanimously approved the bill in July. The bill was introduced by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Representative Brad Finstad (R-Minn.).
“More than 240 years ago, the Founding Fathers identified the bald eagle as a symbol of the strength and independence promised in our new nation,” Finstad said, as quoted by The Jamestown Sun. “Since then, we have revered this majestic creature as the unquestionable icon of the United States. Today, we rightfully recognize the bald eagle as our official national bird — bestowing an honor that is long overdue.”

Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), a co-sponsor of the Senate bill, said, “There is nothing more American than a bald eagle soaring across the Wyoming sky. These majestic creatures have long been viewed as the official bird of this country and it is past time we made it official without costing taxpayers a single cent.”
Minnesota, Finstad and Klobuchar’s home state, boasts a large bald eagle population