36 U.S.C. § 306: National bird

The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is the national bird. bald eagles are a historical symbol of the United States representing independence, strength, and freedom; the bald eagle is unique to North America; on June 20, 1782 , the bald eagle was adopted as the Coat of Arms for the United States Great Seal; the bald eagle image remains the leading insignia for all branches of the United States military; the bald eagle is the leading image on thousands of Federal Government branches, departments, and agencies, including the President, Vice-President, Congress, and Senate; the bald eagle serves as the logo, trademark, and brand icon for businesses, nonprofit organizations, and sports teams across the United States; bald eagles are integral to the spiritual lives and sacred belief systems of most Indigenous peoples and Tribal communities; bald eagles are prevalent in belief, practice, stories, ceremonies, dance, traditions, songs, regalia, flags, insignias, arts, craft, and other forms of spiritual reverence; held in over 100 locations across the United States; and key components of community engagement; hundreds of United States stamps; and many United States coins and currencies; the bald eagle is a primary component and symbol on Federal and State flags throughout the United States; and 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.”