The bird of brown and white feathers has long represented the United States as a majestic and soaring symbol, but only this week did a law make it official.

Though a longstanding symbol of "independence, strength and freedom," according to Congress, the bird of prey never received a formal designation

After long being an unofficial symbol, the white head, yellow beak bald eagle became the official U.S. bird on Christmas Eve. President Biden signed 50 bills into law Tuesday. Among them was Senate bill 4610,

President Joe Biden signed into law legislation sent to him by Congress that amends the United States Code to correct what had long gone unnoticed and designate the bald eagle — familiar to many because of its white head, yellow beak and brown body — as the national bird.

President Joe Biden signed into law legislation sent to him by Congress that amends the United States Code to correct what had long gone unnoticed and designate the bald eagle — familiar to many because of its white head, yellow beak and brown body — as the national bird.

The bald eagle has appeared on the Great Seal of the United States, which is used in official documents, since 1782, when the design was finalized.

The iconic bald eagle, the longstanding emblem of the United States, was officially made the national bird this week thanks to an act of Congress signed by President Joe Biden.

The bald eagle has been lauded as a symbol of the United States, but it wasn't officially the national bird until Tuesday.

After centuries as a revered symbol of America, the bald eagle has finally been officially recognized as the national bird of the United States. The announcement comes as the Endangered Species Act approaches its 51st anniversary and serves as a testament to the bird’s remarkable recovery from near extinction.