The bald eagle is featured on American military insignia, currency, stamps and even the helmets of an NFL team. However, the government has never officially recognized it as the United States’ national bird—until now.

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.

President Joe Biden signed a bill into law that officially named the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States. Though a longstanding symbol of 'independence, strength and freedom,' the bird of prey never received a formal designation.

The bald eagle, a symbol of the power and strength of the United States for more than 240 years, earned an overdue honor on Tuesday: It officially became the country’s 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.

After nearly 250 years of informal recognition, the bald eagle has officially been designated as the national bird of the United States.

The bald eagle is on the United States' national seal, on U.S. currency. However, until Christmas Eve it wasn't on the books as the national bird.