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 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.

The bald eagle has been synonymous with the U.S. since the dawn of the country more than 240 years ago. But it wasn't until President Joe Biden signed a bill into law on Christmas Eve that the bald eagle officially became the national bird of the U.

The bald eagle, a powerful symbol of the U.S., has officially become the country’s national bird. The move came Tuesday with President Joe Biden signing a bill into law to amend the United States Code.

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