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 iconic bald eagle, the longstanding emblem of the United States, was officially made the national bird this week thanks to an act of Congress signed by President Joe Biden.

The bald eagle, a symbol of the power and strength of the United States for more than 240 years, earned an overdue honor on Tuesday: It officially became the country’s national bird.