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.

The United States has used the bald eagle as a national symbol since George Washington was president. But it only became the national bird on Dec. 24, and only after a Minnesota man caught the oversight.

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.