When the Founding Fathers of the U.S. started looking at symbols to represent the new country, the bald eagle became part of the official Great Seal of the U.S. when it was established in 1782.

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 bird has been a national emblem in the US for years, but it never had an official status in the country's 248-year history.

President Joe Biden signed 50 bills into law on Tuesday that include making the bald eagle the country's official bird and one that stops members of Congress from collecting their pensions if convicted of crimes.

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.