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 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.

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