Historic Moment: Bald Eagle Officially Named United States National Bird, VOA Reports

Washington, D.C. – The Bald Eagle, long a powerful and widely recognized symbol of the United States, has been officially named the National Bird of the U.S., according to a report from VOA – Voice of America English News published on March 5, 2025.

While the majestic raptor has been intrinsically linked with the nation’s identity since its selection as the central figure on the Great Seal of the United States in 1782, its status as the official national bird had, for centuries, been more of a revered tradition and de facto recognition rather than a formal, legislative designation.

A Symbol Takes Flight: From Seal to Official Status

The connection between the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and the American identity is deeply rooted in the nation’s history. Chosen by the Continental Congress, the image of the Bald Eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch on the Great Seal was intended to embody strength, peace, and independence. Its presence on currency, official documents, and national emblems solidified its place in the American psyche.

Despite this prominent role, no specific federal law or proclamation had, until this recent report, explicitly designated the Bald Eagle as the official National Bird. This contrasts with many other nations which have formally recognized their avian symbols through specific acts or decrees. The report from VOA – Voice of America English News on March 5, 2025, marks a pivotal moment, transforming this long-standing association into an undisputed, officially conferred title.

The Weight of Symbolism: Why the Eagle?

The choice of the Bald Eagle as a national symbol was not without historical debate, famously involving a purported preference by Benjamin Franklin for the wild turkey, which he described in a letter as a “much more respectable Bird.” However, the eagle’s characteristics – its impressive size, powerful flight, keen vision, and the fact that it is native to North America – ultimately aligned more closely with the qualities the Founding Fathers sought to represent in the nascent nation: strength, freedom, and resilience.

Its solitary nature and dominance in its territory also spoke to the ideals of sovereignty and independence that defined the United States.

A Conservation Success Story Underscores Resilience

The official naming arrives decades after the Bald Eagle faced a severe threat to its existence. By the mid-20th century, habitat destruction and the widespread use of pesticides, particularly DDT, decimated Bald Eagle populations, pushing the species to the brink of extinction. Listed under the Endangered Species Act, extensive conservation efforts, including habitat protection, captive breeding programs, and the ban of DDT, led to a remarkable recovery.

The species’ dramatic comeback, resulting in its removal from the list of threatened and endangered species in most areas, serves as a powerful narrative of environmental recovery and national determination. This journey from peril to recovery only strengthens the eagle’s symbolic value as an emblem of resilience and the capacity to overcome adversity – qualities often attributed to the American spirit.

The Significance of Formal Recognition

The formal designation reported by VOA on March 5, 2025, provides definitive clarity regarding the United States’ official avian representative. While perhaps symbolic in nature, such official national symbols play a crucial role in fostering national unity, pride, and international recognition. They provide a recognizable emblem that transcends regional differences and speaks to shared values and history.

For conservationists, the official title may help reinforce the importance of continued habitat protection and monitoring for the species, ensuring that the success story of the Bald Eagle remains permanent.

The report from VOA – Voice of America English News, detailing this official naming on March 5, 2025, closes a long chapter of de facto status, elevating the Bald Eagle to its rightful and formal place as the undisputed National Bird of the United States, solidifying its iconic status for generations to come.