For over two centuries, the bald eagle – or, more precisely, the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) – embodied the founding values of the United States of America: freedom, strength and independence. Now, that symbolic role it is also recognized by law. In the next few days, President Joe Biden will sign the bill that officially gives the bird of prey the title of national bird of the United Statesa long-awaited and significant recognition.
“The bald eagle is a symbol of the freedom and strength of our country,” the Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, one of the main sponsors of the legislation. “In Minnesota, we are especially proud of our eagles: our state is home to one of the largest populations in the nation and the National Eagle Center in Wabasha”.
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The bald eagle has represented American ideals since 1782when the Second Continental Congress approved its use on the Great Seal of the United States. Since then, his image appeared everywhere: official documents, coins, flags, military coats of arms and even the logos of some sports franchises. Despite its omnipresence, formal recognition was lacking. This legislative gap was filled thanks to a bipartisan billsupported by both Democrats and Republicans.
“More than 240 years ago, our Founding Fathers chose this animal as a symbol of strength and independence for our young nation,” the Republican congressman said Brad Finstad. “Today, finally, we honor that historic role.”
Preston Cookleading figure at the National Eagle Center and author of American Eagle – A Visual History of Our National Emblemcelebrated the approval of the law by underlining its cultural importance: “This is an exciting day. With this law, we reaffirm the bald eagle’s place as a defining emblem of our national identity.”
From the brink of extinction to a symbol of hope
The history of the bald eagle hasn’t always been easy. In the 50s and 60s, the species risked extinction due to the massive use of the pesticide DDTwhich weakened egg shells, putting entire generations at risk. It was only thanks to the biologist and environmentalist Rachel Carsonauthor of the famous book Silent springthat the situation began to change. His work led to the ban of DDT in the United States in 1972 and the adoption of conservation programs that allowed the bird of prey to repopulate the American skies.
Today, the bald eagle represents one of the greatest success stories in wildlife conservation. From a population reduced to a few thousand specimens, the bird of prey has returned to thrive across much of the United Statesfrom the Canadian border to Mexico.
A cultural icon that inspires the future
The connection between the bald eagle and the United States is not only historical, but deeply symbolic. His image, which stands proudly on the Great Seal, represents for Americans an ideal of freedom and national pride. Yet, as Preston Cook underlined, this official recognition goes beyond the simple formal act: “It is a tribute to an animal that embodies the founding values of our nation and a celebration of nature’s resilience”.
The new national bird status comes at a crucial time for biodiversity conservation. The United States, in fact, is facing significant challenges, such as protecting the monarch butterfly and other species threatened by urban expansion and climate change. The bald eagle, with its story of survival and rebirth, it thus becomes a powerful symbol of hope and commitment to protecting the environment.
