Washington: President Joe Biden has formally designated the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States. This decision follows the signing of a Congressional bill that solidifies the bird’s iconic status. While the bald eagle has served as a symbol of the U.S. for centuries, appearing on the Great Seal since 1782 and the country's royal seal, it had never been officially recognized as the national bird.

Efforts to formalize this designation had been attempted in the past without success. However, Senator Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota introduced a bill on December 16, proposing the bald eagle, with its striking white head, yellow beak, and brown body, as the national bird. The legislation passed unanimously in the House, and with President Biden’s signature, the bird was finally granted this status after 240 years.

The bald eagle's connection to American symbolism dates back to its first appearance on a copper coin from Massachusetts in 1776. It later featured prominently on various U.S. coins, including the silver dollar, half-dollar, quarter, and gold coins, which were named eagle, half eagle, quarter eagle, and double eagle. The bird has been protected under the National Emblem Act of 1940, making it illegal to buy or sell bald eagles or their parts.

“For over 250 years, the bald eagle has represented the spirit of America, and now we’ve officially acknowledged it,” said Jack Davis, co-chair of the National Bird Initiative at the National Eagle Center. “No other bird is more deserving of this honor.”