When did the bald eagle become the national bird of the U.S.?

In 1782 the bald eagle was added to the Great Seal of the United States—despite the objections of Benjamin Franklin, who thought the bird had a “bad moral character.” His choice? A turkey. In the ensuing years, the bald eagle became a common symbol of the country, and many considered it the national bird. However, it was not until 2024 that the bald eagle officially became the national bird of the United States. That year Congress passed the legislation, which was signed by Pres. Joe Biden.