Nature
PUBLISHED
7
The bald eagle has been an (unofficial) icon of the USA for centuries, acting as a squawking symbol of freedom that appears on everything from the president's flag and military insignia to dollar bills. Despite the star status, however, it has not ever been awarded the official honor of being a national bird.
The rest of this article is behind a paywall. Please sign in or subscribe to access the full content.On December 16, a bill to amend the US Code to officially make the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) the national bird was passed by the House of Representatives. Since the same legislation was passed in the Senate in July, it just needs President Biden's approval to be signed into law – and there’s no reason to believe he won’t support the bi-partisan effort.
“More than two hundred and forty years ago, the Founding Fathers identified the bald eagle as a symbol of the strength and independence promised in our new nation. Since then, we have revered this majestic creature as the unquestionable icon of the United States,” Representative Brad Finstad, a farmer and the Minnesota Republican who introduced the House bill, said in a statement last week.
“Today, we rightfully recognize the bald eagle as our official national bird – bestowing an honor that is long overdue,” he added.
Bald eagles can be found throughout all of the contiguous United States, as well as northern Mexico and most parts of Canada and Alaska.
Wild populations in the US have made a remarkable recovery in recent decades after a catastrophic decline in the post-WW2 era. One of the prime causes of the population collapse was the prolific use of the insecticide DDT, which impacted the ability of the birds to produce strong eggshells. After the chemical was banned in the US and Canada in the early 1970s, conservation efforts were able to thrive and their numbers began to recover.
One of the bald eagle’s earliest appearances as an American symbol dates back to 1776 when it featured on a Massachusetts copper cent coin. While most people will associate this majestic species of eagle with the US, its status as a national bird isn't yet official.
The country does have an official national mammal (the American bison), a national flower (the rose), and a national tree (the oak). However, the US government has never officially designated a national bird. Perhaps it was simply assumed that the bald eagle already held that title.
“This is an exciting day. 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,” said Preston Cook, Co-Chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center.
