The bald eagle is featured on American military insignia, currency, stamps and even the helmets of an NFL team. However, the government has never officially recognized it as the United States’ national bird—until now.

It’s now official. The bald eagle is America’s national bird. The official declaration does just that — make it official.

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.