The bald eagle officially became the national bird of the United States, after President Joe Biden signed a bill to formalize this recognition. This bird, an American symbol since 1782 when it was incorporated into the Great Seal, has played a significant role in the nation’s history.
The signing of the bill, done on Christmas Eve, confirms the amendment proposed by the National Eagle Center and a bipartisan group of congressmen who sought to bestow the title of national bird upon the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), also known as the American eagle.
In this regard, Jack Davis, co-chair of the National Eagle Center’s National Bird Initiative and advocate for the law, highlighted in a statement that, for almost 250 years, the bald eagle was considered the national bird “without being officially so”. “Now, this title is official, and no bird deserves it more. Despite being brought to the brink of extinction twice, the bald eagle has endured, showing us that living in harmony with nature enriches our quality of life,” he added.
With its distinctive white head and yellow beak, the bald eagle was on the brink of extinction in the mid-20th century due to habitat destruction, illegal hunting, and pollution caused by the use of DDT, an insecticide that affected its food source.
Bald Eagle, from Endangered Species to Conservation Success and National Bird of the U.S.
It is estimated that at one point, the United States may have had up to 100,000 nesting bald eagles. However, by 1963, there were only 417 breeding pairs left, leading to the species being listed as endangered.
Thanks to the efforts of the government and environmentalists, the recovery of the bald eagle is considered a “success story”. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, population estimates of bald eagles in the 48 contiguous states, based on data from 2018 to 2019, total 316,700 birds.
“The officialization of the bald eagle as our national bird reaffirms our nation’s commitment to conservation and honors a symbol cherished by Americans nationwide,” stated John Wodele, co-chair of the National Bird Initiative.
Where Does the Bald Eagle Live and What are its Characteristics?
The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), now the national bird of the U.S., inhabits North America, from southern Canada to Baja California Sur and Sonora in Mexico. It prefers areas near large bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and coasts, where there is abundant food.
Some characteristics of the bald eagle are:
- It is a large bird of prey, with a wingspan of 6 to 8 feet.
- Its plumage is dark brown, almost black, with a white head and wings.
- It is monogamous and mates for life.
- It builds nests in the crowns of large trees, which can measure up to 10 feet wide and weigh up to half a ton.
- It mainly feeds on fish, but also on waterfowl, turtles, rabbits, snakes, other small animals, and carrion.
- It is the national bird of the United States and appears on its seal.
- In 1995, its status changed from “endangered” to “threatened,” and in 2007, it was completely removed from the list.
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