The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is the national bird.

(Added Pub. L. 118–206, § 1(b), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2699.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Rule of Construction

Pub. L. 118–206, § 1(d), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2700, provided that:

“Nothing in this section [enacting this section and provisions set out as a note under this section], the amendments made by this section, or the adoption of the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States may be construed or used as a reason to alter, change, modify, or otherwise affect any plan, policy, management decision, regulation, or other action of the Federal Government.”

Findings

Pub. L. 118–206, § 1(a), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2699, provided that:

“Congress finds that—

1. “(1) bald eagles are a historical symbol of the United States representing independence, strength, and freedom;
2. “(2) the bald eagle is unique to North America;
3. “(3) on June 20, 1782, the bald eagle was adopted as the Coat of Arms for the United States Great Seal;
4. “(4) the bald eagle image remains the leading insignia for all branches of the United States military;
5. “(5) the bald eagle is the leading image on thousands of Federal Government branches, departments, and agencies, including the President, Vice-President, Congress, and Senate;
6. “(6) the bald eagle serves as the logo, trademark, and brand icon for businesses, nonprofit organizations, and sports teams across the United States;
7. “(7) bald eagles are integral to the spiritual lives and sacred belief systems of most Indigenous peoples and Tribal communities;
8. “(8) bald eagles are prevalent in belief, practice, stories, ceremonies, dance, traditions, songs, regalia, flags, insignias, arts, craft, and other forms of spiritual reverence;

9. “(9) bald eagle festivals are—

   1. “(A) held in over 100 locations across the United States; and
   2. “(B) key components of community engagement;

10. “(10) the bald eagle is prevalent on—

    1. “(A) hundreds of United States stamps; and
    2. “(B) many United States coins and currencies;
11. “(11) the bald eagle is a primary component and symbol on Federal and State flags throughout the United States; and
12. “(12) joint efforts of the Federal Government and State and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and individuals have contributed to the successful recovery of the bald eagle.”