Bald Eagle Officially Declared National Bird of the United States

After centuries of serving as an unofficial symbol of the United States, the bald eagle, with its distinctive white head and yellow beak, has officially been designated the national bird. On Christmas Eve, President Joe Biden signed Senate Bill 4610 into law, amending Title 36 of the U.S. Code to recognize the predator as the official avian emblem of the nation.

The legislation, introduced in the Senate in July, passed unanimously in both chambers of Congress, reflecting widespread bipartisan support. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), one of the bill's sponsors, emphasized the bald eagle’s symbolic significance. “The bald eagle is a symbol of our country’s freedom and strength.

In Minnesota, we know a thing or two about eagles: We are home to one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the country as well as the National Eagle Center in Wabasha,” Klobuchar said earlier this month. “With the passage of our legislation, the bald eagle will now officially be recognized as our nation’s national bird,” she added.

The bald eagle’s association with American identity dates back to June 20, 1782, when it was adopted as the central figure of the Great Seal of the United States.

Since then, it has become synonymous with the ideals of freedom, resilience, and strength. The bald eagle features prominently in the insignia of all U.S. military branches and is a recurring motif on currency, public buildings, flags, official documents, and even sports team logos.

One of the leading advocates for this legislation was Minnesota resident Preston Cook, a passionate supporter of the bald eagle’s symbolic role in American culture.

Cook, who resides in Wabasha, Minnesota—the location of the National Eagle Center—had long championed the idea of officially recognizing the bald eagle as the country’s national bird. He even drafted a version of the legislation and sent it to lawmakers on Capitol Hill, paving the way for its eventual success.

“This is an exciting day,” Cook said in mid-December. “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.” Cook, who authored American Eagle: A Visual History of Our National Emblem, has spent years advocating for the bird’s official status. His efforts have included documenting the bald eagle’s appearances in American history and culture, further underscoring its importance to the nation’s collective identity.

The bald eagle’s journey to becoming the official national bird aligns with its enduring role as a cultural and historical icon.

Despite being endangered for much of the 20th century due to habitat destruction and the widespread use of DDT pesticides, the bird made a remarkable recovery following the enactment of environmental protections such as the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. Today, it thrives across the United States, with significant populations in regions like Minnesota, Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest.

The National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota, has played a vital role in raising awareness about the bird’s ecological and symbolic importance. The center, located along the Mississippi River, serves as a hub for education and conservation efforts and attracts visitors from across the nation.

The designation of the bald eagle as the official national bird not only solidifies its status as a cherished American symbol but also reinforces its role in promoting conservation and environmental stewardship.

By recognizing the bald eagle’s significance, lawmakers have reaffirmed the ideals of freedom and strength that it represents, ensuring its legacy endures for generations to come.