In a historic act, the bald eagle has become the national bird of United States, a recognition established by President Joe Biden on Christmas Eve after 250 years. That bird of prey, the bald eagle, has long been the symbol of America, appearing in a very prominent place on the Great Seal of the United States since 1782. However, it was only last week that Congress passed the bill making the bald eagle officially the national bird.
“For nearly 250 years, we called the bald eagle the national bird when it wasn’t,” said Jack Davis, co-chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center. “But now the title is official, and no bird is more deserving.”
A Symbol of Strength and Freedom
For centuries, the bald eagle has been an inspiration to people as a symbol of strength, courage, freedom, and immortality. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, these qualities are very much ingrained in the American people. There are other species of eagles, but the bald eagle is only native to North America, which makes it an appropriate national symbol for the United States.
The Great Seal, with the eagle grasping a shield showing the American flag, olive branches in one talon, and arrows in the other, has been a symbol of U.S. identity for nearly two and a half centuries.
However, not everyone agreed that the bald eagle was a fitting national symbol in the beginning. One of the Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin, famously opposed the choice, calling the bird a “creature of bad moral character.” Franklin preferred the turkey, which he argued was a more noble and respectable bird. His objections notwithstanding, the bald eagle’s status as a symbol of America would go on to endure through the years, culminating in its official recognition this week.
From Brink of Extinction to Thriving Population
It is a very long way from where it has arrived now. Habitat destruction and hunting combined with rampant use of pesticides such as DDT have pushed this bird to the brink of extinction during mid-20th century. Its population was shrinking alarmingly, hence leading to federal protections in 1940 under National Emblem Act that banned the hunting, selling, or harming of this bird.
Intensive conservation efforts then ensued, including a ban on DDT and the huge restoration of habitats. These interventions have been successful; from 2009 onwards, the population of the bald eagle has recovered well. It stands out today as an epitome of triumph for environmental conservation and for the tenacity of this bird.
Role of Minnesota in Legislation
Politicians of Minnesota, the country with the highest population of bald eagles, supported the legislation that declared the bald eagle to be the national bird. Senator Amy Klobuchar was one of the bill’s proponents who spoke of the state’s efforts to preserve its habitat and make sure that the bird remains an icon of national pride.
Minnesota has one of the highest populations of bald eagles in the country, making it a natural leader in calling for the bird’s formal recognition.
Busy Christmas Eve for Legislation
President Biden signed 50 pieces of legislation into law on Christmas Eve, including the bald eagle bill. Other notable measures included a federal anti-hazing law to address violence and deaths on university campuses.
Indeed, as the nation officially embraces the bald eagle as its national bird, there is an incredibly deeper level of recognition to its legacy as well as to the values it holds. From species recovery and symbolic roles in a country’s identity, it remains proudly to be an emblem that shows off American history and ideals.
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