Exploring Nature: Our National B ird
You probably know that the northern mockingbird is the state bird of Texas.
Ever wonder what is the national bird of the United States?
You might guess the bald eagle; after all, this bird already graces the Great Seal of the United States, clutching arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other.
But no president nor any Congress has ever extended that honor to the bald eagle. We have a national tree (the oak), a national flower (the rose) and even a national mammal (the bison) which was so designated in 2016.
But no national bird. This may be on the verge of changing. Brad Finstad, congressman from Minnesota, and Amy Klobuchar, senator from that state, have joined forces to introduce legislation to name the bald eagle our national bird.
“Since the founding of our nation, the bald eagle has existed as a symbol of our country’s independence, strength and freedom,” Finstad said when he introduced the bill. “I am proud to introduce this legislation which will officially classify the bald eagle as the national bird, the proper place of honor as an integral part of our national identity.”
The Senate bill quickly won passage in barely a month, which is lightspeed for today’s Congress.
“The bald eagle holds a special place in the hearts of all Americans,” said Klobuchar.
Eagle bill supporters are hopeful the House will pass the legislation before the end of the current term.
However, in politics and especially in a presidential election year, all bets are off on how the eagle bill will fare.
The bald eagle is a majestic bird. It has keen vision and sports a wingspan of up to seven and one-half feet.
Regardless of the legislative outcome, this is a bird worthy of our admiration.
