The United States has used the bald eagle as a national symbol since George Washington was president. But it only became the national bird this week, and only after a Minnesota man caught the oversight.

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, yellow beak and brown body — as the national bird.

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.