Additional Coverage:
- The bald eagle joins the rose, the bison, and the oak tree as an official American symbol (newsbreak.com)
The majestic bald eagle, an emblem of the United States since the Revolutionary War, has finally been officially designated as the national bird. President Joe Biden recently signed legislation enshrining this status into law.
For generations, Americans have been familiar with the bald eagle through its depiction on quarters, rugs, and political dramas. However, it was not until Monday that it was legally recognized as the national bird, joining other national symbols such as the oak tree, the rose, and the bison.
Despite its prominent placement on the Great Seal, the bald eagle’s status as the national bird had never been formally established. Advocates feared that another bird, such as a sports mascot, could potentially overshadow this iconic symbol.
Senator Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota, a state with a significant bald eagle population, championed the bill to make the eagle’s status official. In a statement, she emphasized Minnesota’s deep connection to these majestic birds, citing the state’s large eagle population and the presence of the National Eagle Center.
Conservation efforts have led to a remarkable recovery of the bald eagle population in the United States. In 2020, there were over 316,000 bald eagles in the country, a significant increase from 2016. The bird was once on the endangered species list, but thanks to these efforts, it was removed in 2007.