The bald eagle is now officially the national bird of the United States, after President Joe Biden signed a law on Christmas Eve giving that honor to the white-headed, yellow-billed bird of prey.
The bird has been a national symbol in the United States for years, appearing on the Great Seal of the United States — used on American documents — since 1782.
But it wasn't officially designated as the national bird until Congress passed the bill last week, sending it to Biden's desk for his signature.
“For nearly 250 years, we have called the bald eagle the national bird, when it is not,” Jack Davis, co-chair of the National Eagle Center’s National Bird Initiative, said in a statement. “But now the title is official, and there is no bird more deserving of it.”
Not everyone has always agreed on the national status of birds of prey.
Founding Father Benjamin Franklin objected to the choice of a bald eagle to represent the country, calling it a “bald eagle.” “The bird with bad manners.”
But not all members of Congress shared Franklin's sentiments.
Bald eagles, like other eagles around the world, have been viewed by many as symbols of strength, courage, freedom and immortality for generations, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Unlike other eagles, the bald eagle was native only to North America.
Legislation designating the bald eagle as the national bird was led by Minnesota lawmakers. The state is home to what Sen. Amy Klobuchar described as one of the largest bald eagle populations in the country.
The bald eagle is also protected under the National Emblem Act of 1940, making it illegal to sell or hunt the creature.
The birds were once on the verge of extinction, but their numbers have increased significantly since 2009.
The bald eagle bill was one of 50 pieces of legislation Biden signed into law on Christmas Eve, including a federal anti-hazing law to address campus violence and deaths.
