Title 36Patriotic and National ObservancesRelease 119-73

§306 National bird

Title 36 › Subtitle Subtitle I— - Patriotic and National Observances and Ceremonies › Part Part A— - Observances and Ceremonies › Chapter CHAPTER 3— - NATIONAL ANTHEM, MOTTO, FLORAL EMBLEM, MARCH, TREE, AND BIRD › § 306

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Full Legal Text

Title 36, §306

Patriotic and National Observances — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is the national bird.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Rule of

Construction

Pub. L. 118–206, § 1(d), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2700, provided that: “Nothing in this section [enacting this section and provisions set out as a note under this section], the

Amendments

made by this section, or the adoption of the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States may be construed or used as a reason to alter, change, modify, or otherwise affect any plan, policy, management decision, regulation, or other action of the Federal Government.” Findings Pub. L. 118–206, § 1(a), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2699, provided that: “Congress finds that— “(1) bald eagles are a historical symbol of the United States representing independence, strength, and freedom; “(2) the bald eagle is unique to North America; “(3) on June 20, 1782, the bald eagle was adopted as the Coat of Arms for the United States Great Seal; “(4) the bald eagle image remains the leading insignia for all branches of the United States military; “(5) the bald eagle is the leading image on thousands of Federal Government branches, departments, and agencies, including the President, Vice-President, Congress, and Senate; “(6) the bald eagle serves as the logo, trademark, and brand icon for businesses, nonprofit organizations, and sports teams across the United States; “(7) bald eagles are integral to the spiritual lives and sacred belief systems of most Indigenous peoples and Tribal communities; “(8) bald eagles are prevalent in belief, practice, stories, ceremonies, dance, traditions, songs, regalia, flags, insignias, arts, craft, and other forms of spiritual reverence; “(9) bald eagle festivals are—“(A) held in over 100 locations across the United States; and “(B) key components of community engagement; “(10) the bald eagle is prevalent on—“(A) hundreds of United States stamps; and “(B) many United States coins and currencies; “(11) the bald eagle is a primary component and symbol on Federal and State flags throughout the United States; and “(12) joint efforts of the Federal Government and State and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and individuals have contributed to the successful recovery of the bald eagle.”

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

36 U.S.C. § 306

Title 36Patriotic and National Observances

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73