Bald Eagle Officially Declared U.S. National Bird

Bald Eagle Officially Declared U.S. National Bird \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President Joe Biden signed legislation officially designating the bald eagle as the United States’ national bird, correcting a historical oversight. Though widely recognized as a national emblem since 1782, this is the first formal declaration solidifying its status in U.S. law.

Bald Eagle Officially Named National Bird: Quick Look

• Historic Designation: The bald eagle is now officially recognized as the U.S. national bird.
• Presidential Approval: President Biden signed the legislation into law on Tuesday.
• Symbolic Legacy: Featured on the Great Seal since 1782, the bald eagle symbolizes power and strength.
• Oversight Corrected: Despite its iconic status, the bird lacked formal recognition until now.
• Native Heritage: The bald eagle is indigenous to North America.

Deep Look:

The bald eagle, an enduring symbol of the United States for more than two centuries, has officially been recognized as the country’s national bird. President Joe Biden signed legislation on Tuesday correcting a long-standing oversight by formally designating the bird as a national emblem under U.S. law. While the bald eagle’s association with America’s strength, power, and freedom has been unquestioned, this marks the first time it has been explicitly named the national bird in the United States Code.

A Historical Oversight Finally Addressed

The bald eagle’s prominence in American symbolism dates back to 1782, when it was incorporated into the Great Seal of the United States. The Great Seal, used on official government documents, features the eagle clutching an olive branch and arrows to represent peace and war, with its outspread wings shielding a shield emblazoned with the national motto “E Pluribus Unum.”

That same year, Congress informally designated the bald eagle as the national emblem. However, a formal declaration naming it the national bird was never enacted, leaving its status to assumption rather than codified law.

Tuesday’s legislation rectifies this, placing the bald eagle in its rightful position within the United States Code as both the national bird and a central emblem of American identity.

The Bald Eagle’s Symbolic Power

The bald eagle, known for its striking white head, yellow beak, and majestic brown body, was chosen in 1782 as a symbol of the United States for its perceived strength, courage, and independence. Indigenous to North America, the bald eagle also holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for Native American tribes, who revere it as a sacred creature.

Despite its iconic status today, the bald eagle’s selection was not without controversy. Benjamin Franklin famously objected to the choice, criticizing the bird’s behavior and suggesting that the turkey would have been a better representation of American character. Nevertheless, the bald eagle prevailed and became one of the most recognizable symbols of the nation.

Legislative Efforts to Solidify Its Status

The push to officially recognize the bald eagle as the national bird gained traction in recent years as lawmakers sought to honor its symbolic and historical significance. Advocates for the legislation noted that while the bird was widely assumed to hold this status, the lack of formal recognition in U.S. law was a surprising oversight.

“This is about more than correcting an error,” one legislator said. “It’s about acknowledging the bald eagle’s enduring role in representing our country’s ideals and aspirations.”

President Biden’s signing of the legislation was hailed as a moment of both historical reflection and national pride.

The Bald Eagle’s Comeback Story

The bald eagle’s official designation as the national bird also underscores its remarkable recovery from the brink of extinction. By the mid-20th century, bald eagle populations had plummeted due to habitat destruction, hunting, and the widespread use of the pesticide DDT.

In response, conservation efforts were launched, including the banning of DDT and the implementation of the Endangered Species Act. These measures, combined with habitat restoration programs, helped the bald eagle population rebound significantly.

By 2007, the bird was removed from the Endangered Species List, marking a triumphant success in conservation. Today, the bald eagle thrives in its natural habitats across North America, embodying both the strength and resilience it symbolizes for the nation.

A Legacy Cemented

The official recognition of the bald eagle as the national bird formalizes its place at the heart of American identity. Beyond its majestic appearance, the bird serves as a reminder of the nation’s ideals: freedom, independence, and perseverance.

Its image graces countless symbols of American governance, from U.S. currency and military insignias to the presidential flag. The eagle’s soaring flight and piercing gaze have become synonymous with the vision and strength of the United States.

Looking Ahead

The legislation is a reminder of the importance of symbols in shaping national identity. The bald eagle’s status as the national bird is now enshrined in law, reflecting not just its historical significance but also its enduring relevance in modern America.

For many, the bird is more than an emblem—it is a testament to the country’s ability to overcome challenges, adapt, and soar to new heights. In a time when unity is often elusive, the bald eagle remains a unifying figure, inspiring pride and resilience in those who call the United States home.

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