An eagle enthusiast has been lobbying for the designation for years. On Christmas Eve, President Biden signed legislation making it official

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.

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.