On Christmas Eve, President Joe Biden signed into law a bill officially designating the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States.
The legislation, which passed unanimously in Congress, amends Title 36 of the United States Code to formally confer the title on the iconic bird.
The bald eagle has been a symbol of America since 1782 when it was featured on the Great Seal of the United States. Congress passed the Bald Eagle Protection Act in 1940, granting the bird legal protection. It also has a holiday dedicated to its honor. However, until now, it was never officially designated as the “national bird” in any federal statute.
The White House announced the signing on Tuesday, solidifying the bald eagle’s status as one of the nation’s most enduring symbols.
