WASHINGTON — The bald eagle, a long-standing emblem of America’s strength and freedom for over 240 years, has finally received its rightful recognition as the national bird of the United States.

On Tuesday, President Joe Biden enacted new legislation that alters the United States Code, finally designating the bald eagle, known for its striking white head, yellow beak, and brown body, as the official national bird.

Historically, the bald eagle has been integral to U.S. identity, featuring prominently on the Great Seal of the United States since its design was completed in 1782. The seal showcases the eagle along with several other symbols, including an olive branch, a set of arrows, a flag-like shield, the national motto “E Pluribus Unum,” and a cluster of stars that embody the nation’s values and ideals.

In the same year, Congress recognized the bald eagle as the national emblem. Its likeness can be found in various official capacities, from government documents and the presidential flag to military insignia and even U.S. currency, affirming its significance in American culture, as noted on various government resources.

Despite its prominence in these contexts, the bald eagle had never been formally established as the national bird, a status that many had simply assumed it held.

Native to North America, the bald eagle represents not just a connection to the country’s heritage but also a commitment to wildlife conservation, reflecting the nation’s engagement with its natural environment.