Washington D.C. Officially Designates Bald Eagle as National Bird of the United States

Washington D.C. Officially Declares Bald Eagle as National Bird!

In a wing-flapping moment of celebration, Washington D.C. just made it official! The bald eagle, cherished for its stunning white head and tail, has officially been dubbed the national bird of the United States. While the eagle has long been a symbol of the country, it’s only this week that it received the official title through an act signed by none other than President Biden.

From Symbol to Official Title

You might be thinking, “Wait a minute, hasn’t the bald eagle always been our national bird?” And you’d be right in feeling that way! This lovely bird has been soaring through American symbolism for ages. Featured on the Great Seal of the United States since 1782, it became a point of contention for founding father Benjamin Franklin, who famously claimed it was “a Bird of bad moral Character.” His preference fell to the turkey – but it seems the eagle won that round!

The recent legislation, introduced by Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representative Brad Finstad of Minnesota, officially recognizes what many Americans have long held dear: the bald eagle represents independence, strength, and freedom. Isn’t that what we all think about when we see that majestic bird in flight?

Cultural Icon

The bald eagle isn’t just an emblem on coins and stamps. It’s flown on flags, represented sports teams, and even made its way into pop culture. Remember the iconic moon landing? When astronaut Neil Armstrong famously declared, “The Eagle has landed,” he was talking about the lunar module – a true testament to the bird’s far-reaching influence!

A Conservation Success Story

DDT really helped boost their numbers.

Following these protective measures, the bald eagle’s population has soared! The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported over 315,000 bald eagles across the contiguous United States in 2019, which is a whopping four times more than just a decade earlier. Talk about a comeback!

Another Addition to the Family

bison, which was designated as the national mammal in 2016, and the oak tree, which became the national tree in 2004. It’s like the eagle has officially settled into the family of American icons, and let’s face it, it fits right in.