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.

Florida ranks third in the nation when it comes to the number of nesting bald eagles. Watch daily life of North Fort Myers Beach eaglets.

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.