The bald eagle has been lauded as a symbol of the United States, but it wasn't officially the national bird until Tuesday.

The bald eagle has been an (unofficial) icon of the USA for centuries, acting as a squawking symbol of freedom that appears on everything from the president's flag and military insignia to dollar bills.

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. 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,