---
kind: "section"
citation: "36 U.S.C. § 306"
title: "36"
title_heading: "Patriotic and National Observances, Ceremonies, and Organizations"
number: "306"
heading: "National bird"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/36/306"
units:
  - "Subtitle I — Patriotic and National Observances and Ceremonies"
  - "Part A — Observances and Ceremonies"
  - "Chapter 3 — National Anthem, Motto, Floral Emblem, March, Tree, and Bird"
---

# §306. National bird


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


## Source credit

(Added Pub. L. 118–206, § 1(b), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2699.)

## Notes

### 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— 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; bald eagle festivals are— held in over 100 locations across the United States; and key components of community engagement; the bald eagle is prevalent on— 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.”