CNN
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The bald eagle, a symbol of the power and strength of the United States for more than 240 years, received a well-deserved honor Tuesday: it officially became the country’s national bird.
President Joe Biden signed into law legislation sent by Congress which amended 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 bald eagle appeared on Great Seal of the United States, which has been used in official documents, since 1782, when the design was finalized. The seal consists of the eagle, an olive branch, arrows, a flag-shaped shield, the motto “E Pluribus Unum” and a constellation of stars.
That same year, Congress designated the bald eagle as the national emblem, and its image appears in many places, from documents and the presidential flag to military insignia and U.S. currency, according to USA.gov.
But it was never officially designated as what many thought it was: the national bird.
The bald eagle is native to North America.