The bald eagle, an enduring symbol of American pride, has been emblematic of the United States for centuries. This majestic bird has adorned currency, government documents, flags, stamps, and other national symbols.
Although many might assume the bald eagle is the national bird, it’s not officially designated as such — yet. Recent developments may change that.
On Monday, the House of Representatives passed a pivotal bill amending the U.S. Code to officially recognize the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) as the national bird of America.
The Senate had already approved the bill in July, garnering bipartisan support, and now it awaits President Biden’s signature to become law.
“Today, we rightfully recognize the bald eagle as our official national bird — an honor that is long overdue,” stated Rep. Brad Finstad, who introduced the House version of the bill.
The journey to this recognition has been marked by dedication and advocacy from eagle enthusiasts, particularly one notable individual.
Bald Eagles: America’s Unofficial Bird
Dating back to ancient Rome, eagles have symbolized strength and resilience. Following America’s founding in 1776, several committees attempted to create an official seal that would satisfy the requirements of Congress.
Ultimately, Charles Thomson, the secretary of Congress, amalgamated elements from three proposals into the Great Seal, prominently featuring an eagle grasping an olive branch and arrows.
The original design depicted a small white eagle, but Thomson recommended the adoption of a bald eagle, a species native to North America, leading to Congress adopting the design in 1782 and securing the bald eagle’s status as a national symbol.
The popularity of the bald eagle has surged over the years. It can be seen featured in patriotic merchandise, as mascots for schools, and at major sporting events.
A Local Activist’s Long Fight
Preston Cook, a Minnesota resident, was taken aback to discover that bald eagles were not officially recognized as the national bird. A passionate advocate for the species, Cook has gathered a remarkable collection of over 40,000 bald eagle items at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota.
In 2010, while researching birds for a book, Cook realized that there was no legislative designation for the bald eagle as the national bird. Concerned, he took action and wrote to the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, which led to further investigation confirming his findings.
This led Cook to galvanize support for a legislative change, culminating in the current bill to officially designate the bald eagle as America’s national bird.
A Tale of Resilience
The legislation has garnered support from numerous lawmakers, including Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith of Minnesota, where bald eagle populations rank second only to Alaska. As Klobuchar stated, “We know a thing or two about eagles.”
In 2020, there were an estimated 316,700 bald eagles in the contiguous United States, a number that has quadrupled in the last decade, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Historically, bald eagles coexisted peacefully with Indigenous Americans, who hold the birds sacred. However, their numbers dwindled due to various challenges, including habitat loss, pesticide use, and illegal hunting.
The Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940 made it illegal to harm these birds, and federal protections significantly contributed to their remarkable recovery. Following the ban of DDT in 1972, populations surged, leading to their removal from the Endangered Species list in 2007.
As we look to future conservation efforts, the story of the bald eagle serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through commitment and protection of our natural resources.
