The bald eagle has officially been declared the national bird of the United States after nearly 250 years, with President Joe Biden signing the law on Christmas Eve.
Although the bald eagle has long been a national symbol, featured on the Great Seal of the US since 1782, it was only recently formally recognized as the national bird. The move follows the passing of a bill by Congress, which was then sent to Biden for approval.
While Benjamin Franklin once opposed the eagle’s designation, calling it a “bird of bad moral character,” the bald eagle has been a symbol of strength, courage, and freedom for generations.
The legislation was led by Minnesota lawmakers, where one of the largest bald eagle populations in the nation resides. The bird has been protected under US law since 1940.
