The bald eagle Challenger, which appears at sporting events with the American Eagle Foundation, joined the set of "Fox & Friends" Friday morning. | AP Photo Fox panel slams Obama's decision to honor the buffalo

Ahead of appearances from presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump and Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, "Fox & Friends" welcomed a bald eagle and the president of the American Eagle Foundation.

Why? To discuss that while President Barack Obama signed a congressional (bipartisan) bill into law on Monday to make the North American bison the official mammal of the United States, it would never soar to the iconic status of the bald eagle.


"The bald eagle may be America's national symbol but now the bison are also being elevated to the same status. President Obama naming the behemoths the national mammal, putting them on par with the bald eagle," co-host Brian Kilmeade said in introducing the segment.

"But have we forgotten why the bald eagle is America’s original symbol of freedom?" co-host Steve Doocy asked, before Ainsley Earhardt introduced Al Cecere, the president of the non-profit dedicated to bald eagle rehabilitation, recovery and breeding.

Perched on Cecere's right arm was Challenger, the bald eagle who has been the public face of the foundation for more than two decades.

“How do you feel? Challenger’s been buffaloed." Doocy asked.

Cecere himself did not seem too concerned with the national stature of the bird.

"I don't think it's a real threat to the national bird. I mean the national bird has been with us for 234 years and it symbolizes our freedoms and spirits and all the things we Americans stand for," Cecere said. "The buffalo will never attain that status. Or the bison, I should say correctly."

As Cecere spoke, a three-point accompanying graphic noted that the bald eagle has been a U.S. symbol since 1782, has a "[w]ingspan up to 8ft across" and "[sits] at the top of the food chain."

"It's OK to have a mammal, and I think the bison is deserving if we're going to have one," Cecere said. "But you got to understand the founding fathers when they were deciding on our national emblem, our national symbol, they were considering all animals in the United States, so the bald eagle was chosen above all."

Asked why it was chosen, Cecere cited the bald eagle's "majesty" and "power," noting that Charles Thomson, secretary of the Continental Congress, "saw that the American Indian revered the eagle" as another reason.

Cecere also promoted American Eagle Day on June 20, remarking that the organization has been successful in getting it recognized in most states. Challenger emitted a few squawks.

Then again, Cecere said the group has been unsuccessful in lobbying the current White House for recognition.

"Isn't this the same administration that said it's OK to start killing them?" Kilmeade asked, alluding to the administration's 2013 decision to allow some wind energy companies to kill or injure bald eagles for up to 30 years without penalty.

Cecere called it a bad policy.

Before the segment concluded, Cecere reiterated that the bald eagle would retain its status as the country's "premier symbol."

"So don't worry, Challenger," Kilmeade said. "You're the still the man—the bird."

Challenger flapped his wings in approval, sending a gust over the co-hosts.

Doocy joked, "Do you see how much hairspray is in my hair?"