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 symbol of the nation for over 200 years, returned from near extinction to become America's bird − officially − this week.

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.