OKC Standard

On June 20, 2024, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), along with Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced bipartisan legislation to designate the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States.

"The bald eagle has long been a symbol of freedom and patriotism for our nation," said Sen. Mullin. "It’s only fitting we officially designate the bald eagle the national bird of the United States. I am glad to join my colleagues on this introduction."

"There is nothing more American than a bald eagle soaring across the Wyoming sky," said Sen. Lummis. "These majestic creatures have long been viewed as the official bird of this country and it is past time we made it official without costing taxpayers a single cent. As we approach the Fourth of July, I am thrilled to partner with Senator Amy Klobuchar to make the bald eagle the national bird of the United States."

"The bald eagle is a symbol of our country’s freedom and strength. In Minnesota, we are proud to call ourselves home to one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the country as well as the National Eagle Center in Wabasha," said Sen. Klobuchar. "My bipartisan legislation will officially designate the bald eagle as our country’s National Bird."

"The Bald Eagle has been a universally recognizable symbol of patriotism in this country for centuries, and they thrive in Minnesota because of our abundant lakes and forestry across North Country," said Sen. Smith. "I’m proud to support this legislation designating the bald eagle as the official bird of the United States under federal law."

"While most people assume the bald eagle is our nation’s official bird, the fact is our country doesn’t have an official bird," said Preston Cook, Co-Chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center. "The bison is the national mammal, the rose is the national flower, and the oak is the national tree. It’s time that bald eagle, long revered as our national symbol, finds its rightful place as our country’s official national bird."

While many people think that bald eagle is already designated as such, currently there is no official national bird for America. On June 20, 1782, Continental Congress installed it on front Great Seal; since then it has become favored representative second only American flag.