The bald eagle adorns the U.S. national seal and is ubiquitous in American iconography. But it is not, as many believe, the country’s national bird.
Congress moved to change that Monday, as the House sent a bill to President Joe Biden’s desk that would designate the bald eagle as the United States’ first and only national bird.
If signed, the eagle will join the ranks of the bison (national mammal), the rose (national flower) and the oak (national tree), all of which have achieved designations under law. The legislation, S. 4610, passed the House under suspension of the rules Monday afternoon.
“Since the founding of our nation, the bald eagle has existed as a symbol of our country’s independence, strength, and freedom. Prominently displayed on our official currency, military uniforms, and our government buildings, the bald eagle stands as the undisputed representative of the United States of America,” said Rep. Brad Finstad (R-Minn.) in a statement when introducing the bill.
