Photo: National Park Service/Tim Hauf
India-West News Desk
WASHINGTON, DC – The bald eagle, a longstanding symbol of America, was officially declared the national bird on Christmas Eve when President Biden signed new legislation into law. Despite its prominent presence on coins, bills, and the Great Seal for over 240 years, Congress had never formally designated it as the national bird—until now.
Known for its striking white head, yellow beak, and brown body, the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) has long been a powerful emblem of resilience. Native to the United States, its population faced significant challenges due to habitat loss, declining prey, and the introduction of the pesticide DDT in the 20th century. The chemical weakened eagle eggshells, causing widespread reproductive failure. By 1963, only 417 nesting pairs remained in the country, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service.
The tide turned with the U.S. banning DDT in 1972 and placing the bald eagle on the endangered species list a few years later. Conservation efforts, bolstered by habitat protection and public awareness, spurred a remarkable recovery. By 2007, the population had rebounded to nearly 10,000 nesting pairs, leading to the species’ removal from the endangered list. Today, the Fish and Wildlife Service estimates the number of bald eagles in the hundreds of thousands.
In recent years, bald eagles have captivated birdwatchers, making appearances in places as unexpected as New York City. Eagle cams, offering real-time glimpses into nests, have gained popularity at locations such as the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C., U.S. Steel in Pennsylvania, and California’s Big Bear Valley.
The legislation to formally designate the bald eagle as the national bird was spearheaded by Minnesota lawmakers, including Senator Amy Klobuchar. Minnesota boasts one of the largest bald eagle populations in the nation, a testament to the bird’s extraordinary comeback.
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Publish date : 2024-12-26 12:39:00
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