Bald Eagle Officially Named U.S. National Bird After Nearly 250 Years

President Biden signed a bipartisan bill on Christmas Eve, formally designating the bald eagle as the United States' national bird.

The bald eagle, a long-standing symbol of American strength and freedom, was officially declared the national bird of the United States through legislation signed by President Joe Biden.
Although the bald eagle has been featured on the Great Seal since 1782 and widely assumed to be the national bird, it was never formally designated until now.
The legislation, introduced by Minnesota lawmakers and passed unanimously in Congress, amends Title 36 of the U.S. Code to correct the historical oversight.
The bald eagle, once endangered due to habitat loss and pesticide use, has made a remarkable recovery, with its population now in the hundreds of thousands across North America.
The bird's official recognition highlights its historic role as an emblem of national identity, appearing on military insignia, currency, and government seals.