Bald Eagle Formally Recognized as US National Bird

The legislation, signed by President Joe Biden, highlights the bald eagle’s longstanding significance in American culture.

Uncle Sam, a 25-year-old bald eagle, sits on his perch in front of a U.S. flag before the Extreme Raptors Show at the Permian Basin Fair in the Ector County Coliseum fairgrounds in Odessa, Texas, on Sept. 11, 2013. Edyta Blaszczyk/Odessa American via AP

President Joe Biden on Wednesday signed into law a bill that formally designates the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States, correcting what lawmakers called a long-overlooked omission.

Known for its striking white head, yellow beak, and brown body, the bald eagle has symbolized American independence, strength, and freedom since it “was adopted as the Coat of Arms for the United States Great Seal” on June 20, 1782,” the bill said.