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.

Florida ranks third in the nation when it comes to the number of nesting bald eagles. Watch daily life of North Fort Myers Beach eaglets.

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

The bald eagle has landed in U.S. Code as President Joe Biden signed a bill Tuesday making the predator the official national bird.Congress passed the measure with unanimous support.Although the bird of prey is at the center of the Great Seal of the United States,

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

Among the 50 bills signed by President Joe Biden on Christmas Eve was S.4610,  which amends title 36, United States Code, to designate the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States.

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.