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An Honor for Eagles

March 3, 2025
By Cailin Loesch

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The Great Seal of the United States

The bald eagle appears on our money, the president’s flag, and countless government buildings. But it didn’t officially become the national bird of the United States until a few months ago. 

With its powerful wings, the bald eagle represents strength and independence. It has been a symbol of the U.S. since 1782. Six years earlier, the country’s founders had started talking about creating an official seal for the new nation. They couldn’t agree on a design. Benjamin Franklin later wrote that he wasn’t a fan of the bald eagle. But the mighty bird was finally chosen to appear on the Great Seal of the United States. Today the seal appears on government documents and the back of the $1 bill.

Bald eagles are found only in North America. By the mid-1900s, they were endangered in much of the U.S. Hunting and chemicals used to kill insects had caused the eagles to nearly disappear. But thanks to conservation efforts, the bald eagle population has soared in the past few decades.

How to Spot a Bald Eagle
Watch a video to learn more about our national bird.

Making It Official

Many people were surprised to learn that the eagle wasn’t the national bird. In June 2024, lawmakers introduced a bill (a plan for a law) to change that. Former President Joe Biden signed the bill into law in December.

“For nearly 250 years, we called the bald eagle the national bird when it wasn’t,” says Jack Davis. He works with the National Eagle Center. “But now the title is official, and no bird is more deserving.”

More American Symbols

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American Flag

The first official U.S. flag was flown in 1777. The current version has 50 stars—one for each state—and 13 stripes to represent the original American colonies.

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Oak Tree

In 2004, the Arbor Day Foundation asked Americans to vote for a tree that symbolizes the U.S. The winner was the oak tree, which grows in almost every state.

Donald M. Jones/Minden Pictures

Bison

This shaggy beast was named the national mammal in 2016. Its importance goes back to before the U.S. was founded. For centuries, Native peoples depended on bison meat for food and used the hides to make clothing and shelter. 

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