Senate finally names bald eagle the official national bird, 242 years after it became a symbol of America By . Caitlin McCormack. ... enshrining it as the Great Seal of the United States.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WKRC) - The bald eagle has not officially been declared the national bird, despite the majestic creature appearing in the United States' emblem for over 240 years.

Although the bird of prey is at the center of the Great Seal of the United States, it was never formally recognized as the country's official bird ... brought it to the Senate floor in July.

Senate finally names bald eagle the official national bird, 242 years after it became a symbol of America. Story by Caitlin McCormack ... enshrining it as the Great Seal of the United States.