Always the symbol of strength, power and unity of America, the Bald Eagle has been the recognisable symbol of America for centuries. The Bald Eagle has graced the Great Seal of the United States since 1782 but has never been officially ‘codified’ as the National Bird of America until Christmas Eve 2024 when out going President Joe Biden signed the Federal Bill that confirms it’s status. 

By 1967 Bald Eagle numbers were dangerously low but conservation programmes and the banning of DDT have meant that by 2020 there was reportedly over 316,700 individuals quadrupling the population since 2009. 

The Bald Eagle is almost exclusive to North America so it is fitting that the bird has been made official now. Apparently founding father Benjamin Franklin was opposed to the Bald Eagle being on the Great Seal siting the bad moral character of the bird.