Discover Which Bird Holds America’s National Symbol Status

Large assembly in a government legislative chamber.

Congress passes bill to officially designate the bald eagle as America’s national bird, solidifying its status as a symbol of freedom and strength.

At a Glance

The House passed a bipartisan bill to officially recognize the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States
The Senate had previously passed the bill unanimously in July
The bald eagle has been an unofficial national symbol since 1782, featured on the Great Seal and various state emblems
The bill acknowledges the bird’s cultural significance for indigenous communities
The legislation awaits President Biden’s signature to become law

A Long-Awaited Official Recognition

In a move that may surprise many Americans who assumed it was already the case, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill to officially designate the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States. The legislation, introduced by Senator Amy Klobuchar, sailed through both chambers of Congress with bipartisan support, reflecting the widespread recognition of the bald eagle’s symbolic importance to the nation.

The bald eagle has long been associated with American ideals of freedom, independence, and strength. Its image has graced the Great Seal of the United States since 1782 and appears on various state flags and seals. However, until now, its status as the national bird was merely unofficial, despite widespread belief to the contrary.

A Symbol Deeply Rooted in American Culture

The bill not only formalizes the bald eagle’s status but also recognizes its significance across diverse American cultures. Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C.) emphasized the bird’s importance, stating, “The bald eagle is also important to Native American tribes across the United States. It plays a key role in sacred belief systems and traditions, stories, ceremonies, and insignias.”

This recognition extends beyond symbolism, as the bald eagle is protected by federal laws such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. These protections have contributed to a significant population rebound in recent decades, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Path to Official Recognition

The push for official recognition was spearheaded by the Minnesota-based National Eagle Center and its national bird initiative co-chair, Preston Cook. Cook, an “eaglevangelist” from Wabasha, Minnesota, has been instrumental in this effort, working closely with Congress to bring about this legislative change.

Cook’s passion for eagles led him to amass a collection of over 40,000 eagle-related items, now housed in the National Eagle Center in Wabasha. This dedication played a crucial role in bringing attention to the need for official recognition.

Looking Ahead

With the bill now passed by both the House and Senate, it awaits President Joe Biden’s signature to become law. This legislative action will enshrine the bald eagle’s status in the U.S. code, alongside other national symbols such as the national anthem, motto, and floral emblem.

As the bald eagle takes its official place as America’s national bird, it continues to soar as a powerful emblem of the nation’s values and aspirations, uniting Americans across political divides in appreciation of this majestic creature.