Biden Signs Bill on Christmas Eve Designating Bald Eagle as U.S. National Bird After Over 240 Years

Dec 26, 2024, 11:40 AM

On Christmas Eve, President Joe Biden signed legislation to officially designate the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States. This action formalizes the recognition of the bald eagle, a symbol of the nation's power and strength for over 240 years. The bill, which amends Title 36 of the U.S. Code, corrects what lawmakers described as a long-overlooked omission, as the bald eagle had long been associated with the U.S. but was not previously designated as the official national bird. The eagle's formal recognition comes after its longstanding presence on state symbols and institutions.