On Christmas night, President Joe Biden signed a bill officially designating the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States after 250 years. The eagle has symbolized America’s independence, strength, and freedom since it was adopted as the Great Seal of the United States in 1782.
While the eagle has appeared on the Great Seal of the United States for years, it was not formally recognized as the national bird until now. Last week, Congress passed the bill and sent it to Biden for final approval.