The bald eagle is officially the national bird of the United States.
Wait … what? Hasn’t the bald eagle been the national bird for centuries?
Actually, no. While the bird has been on quarters, the National Seal, and even various currency, it was never codified in law as the official bird.
That’s good news across all 50 states, and especially in Florida, where residents have been peering into the lives of bald eagles — especially in North Fort Myers — for years.
Hasn’t the bald eagle been the US national bird since the 1700s?
While the bald eagle has long been a symbol of the U.S., it was never officially designated as the country’s national bird, according to the Congressional Record.
In 1782, it was designated as the national emblem and has appeared since then on official documents, the presidential flag, the Great Seal, military insignia, and coins and bills, according to USA.gov.
“Since the founding of our nation, the bald eagle has existed as a symbol of our country’s independence, strength, and freedom,” said Rep. Brad Finstad of Minnesota.