Biden's Signature Makes Bald Eagle Officially America's National Bird
On Christmas Eve, President Joe Biden signed a law officially declaring the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States. With its white head and yellow beak, this majestic bird has been a symbol of America since 1782, when it was placed on the Great Seal of the United States.
(C) Michael Jerrard (Unsplash)
The bald eagle is the most pictured bird in all of America and it appears in many government institutions and on official documents, . It graces the president's flag, military insignia, the mace of the House of Representatives, and billions of one-dollar bills. The bald eagle first appeared as an American symbol on a Massachusetts copper cent coined in 1776. Since then, it has appeared on the reverse side of many U.S. coins, including the silver dollar, half-dollar, and quarter, as well as gold coins christened the eagle, half eagle, quarter eagle, and double eagle1.
For six years, Congress members debated what the national emblem should be. It wasn't until 1789 that the bald eagle was finally chosen to represent the new nation. The bald eagle, scientifically known as Haliaeetus leucocephalus, is the only eagle solely native to North America. It commonly occurs inland along rivers and large lakes.
The eagle on the seal, familiar to most Americans, carries a shield emblazoned with a flag, holding an olive branch in one talon and arrows in the other (Getty Images)
The adult male bald eagle typically measures around 90 cm (36 inches) in length and boasts a wingspan of approximately 2 meters (6.6 feet). Females, being slightly larger, can grow up to 108 cm (43 inches) in length with a wingspan reaching 2.5 meters (8 feet). Both genders are characterized by their dark brown bodies and wings, contrasted by a white head and tail. Despite its name, the bald eagle is not actually bald; the term "bald" refers to the striking white feathers on its head. The beak, eyes, and feet of the bald eagle are yellow.
(C) James Langley (Unsplash)
Mature bald eagles are distinguished by their white heads and tails, coupled with dark brown bodies and wings. Their legs and bills are a bright yellow. Juvenile bald eagles, on the other hand, have mostly dark heads and tails, with their brown wings and bodies speckled with white. It takes about five years for young eagles to develop their adult plumage.
The bald eagle, a type of sea eagle, often scavenges for food or consumes carrion. It constructs large stick nests in trees, usually positioned some distance below the tree's top.
The bald eagle, a symbol of freedom and strength, has been officially recognized as America's national bird. Its journey from being a debated emblem to a revered national symbol reflects the values and history of the United States. With its majestic appearance and significant presence in American culture, the bald eagle embodies the nation's spirit.
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