The bald eagle received a title this week that many may have assumed it already had: the national bird of the United States. For centuries, the bald eagle has been a ubiquitous symbol for the country,

After centuries as a revered symbol of America, the bald eagle has finally been officially recognized as the national bird of the United States. The announcement comes as the Endangered Species Act approaches its 51st anniversary and serves as a testament to the bird’s remarkable recovery from near extinction.