State Birds of the United States
Introduction
The United States is home to a variety of official state birds, each representing the heritage and cultural identity of one of the 50 states. Each state in the United States has designated a specific bird as its official state bird. These birds often hold significant cultural, historical, or environmental importance to the state they represent.
In many cases, the official state birds are not just celebrated for their aesthetics but also for their ecological roles and contributions to local ecosystems. These connections between state birds and their respective states highlight the natural diversity and rich birdlife found across the United States. Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Alabama State Bird
The state bird of Alabama is the Yellowhammer. This bird, also known as the Northern Flicker, is a type of woodpecker. It was designated the state bird in 1927 and holds a special place in the hearts of Alabamians due to its vibrant yellow underwings and distinctive call. The Yellowhammer is often seen in woodlands and open fields throughout the state.
Alaska State Bird
Alaska’s state bird is the Willow Ptarmigan. This grouse-like bird is known for its seasonal color changes, which help it blend into the snowy environment in winter and the tundra during summer. The Willow Ptarmigan symbolizes the rugged natural beauty and harsh climatic conditions of Alaska. It was designated as Alaska’s state bird in 1955.
Arizona State Bird
The Cactus Wren is Arizona’s state bird, designated in 1931. This bird thrives in the desert climate and is easily recognizable by its white-streaked feathers and loud call. The Cactus Wren builds its nests within cacti, which provides protection from predators and the harsh environment. Its selection as the state bird highlights Arizona’s unique desert ecosystem.
Arkansas State Bird
Arkansas chose the Northern Mockingbird as its state bird in 1929. Known for its ability to mimic the songs of other birds, the Northern Mockingbird is a common sight in Arkansas. It is appreciated for its beautiful singing abilities and adaptability to various environments.
California State Bird
The California Quail represents California. This bird is easily identified by its distinctive head plume and social nature. Found throughout the state in fields and valleys, the California Quail thrives in a variety of habitats. It was chosen as the state bird in 1931, highlighting the state’s diverse wildlife.
Colorado State Bird
The Lark Bunting holds the title of Colorado’s state bird. This small, sparrow-like bird is striking with its black and white plumage during breeding season. It prefers open prairies and grasslands, making it well suited to Colorado’s landscape. The Lark Bunting was chosen as the state bird in 1931.
Connecticut State Bird
Connecticut’s state bird is the American Robin, adopted in 1943. Known for its bright red breast and melodic song, the American Robin is a common sight in Connecticut. This bird’s selection reflects its presence across seasons and its importance in the state’s natural environment.
Delaware State Bird
The Delaware Blue Hen is Delaware’s state bird. This historic breed of chicken is known for its fighting ability and was used during the Revolutionary War. The Delaware Blue Hen symbolizes the state’s rich history and was designated as the state bird in 1939.
Florida State Bird
The Northern Mockingbird is also the state bird of Florida, adopted in 1927. Chosen for its extensive range and beautiful song, the Northern Mockingbird is commonly seen throughout Florida. Its presence and adaptability to various habitats make it a fitting emblem for the state.
Georgia State Bird
The state bird of Georgia is the Brown Thrasher, chosen in 1935. This bird is known for its lengthy song repertoire and striking appearance with brown upperparts and streaked underparts. Commonly found in thickets and forests, the Brown Thrasher is an important part of Georgia’s avian life.
Hawaii State Bird
The Hawaiian Goose, also known as the Nฤnฤ, has represented Hawaii since 1957. This unique bird is only found in Hawaii and has undergone significant conservation efforts to prevent extinction. The Nฤnฤ is a symbol of the state’s dedication to preserving its natural heritage.
Idaho State Bird
The Mountain Bluebird has been Idaho’s state bird since 1931. This small bird is known for its vibrant blue feathers and melodic song. Found in open woodlands and meadows, the Mountain Bluebird reflects Idaho’s scenic landscapes and natural beauty.
Illinois State Bird
Illinois chose the Northern Cardinal as its state bird in 1929. With its bright red plumage and distinctive crest, the Northern Cardinal is a favorite among birdwatchers. Its presence year-round and striking appearance make it a fitting symbol for Illinois.
Indiana State Bird
The Northern Cardinal is also Indiana’s state bird, and has been since 1933. This bird was selected for its bright color and cheerful song, which can be heard throughout the state. The Northern Cardinal adds a splash of color to Indiana’s landscapes.
Iowa State Bird
Iowa’s state bird is the Eastern Goldfinch, adopted in 1933. Also known as the American Goldfinch, this bird is recognized for its bright yellow feathers during the breeding season. The Eastern Goldfinch is commonly seen in open fields and gardens across Iowa.
Kansas State Bird
The Western Meadowlark represents Kansas. Known for its distinctive yellow breast and melodious song, the Western Meadowlark is often found in grasslands and prairies. Its selection as the state bird in 1937 highlights Kansas’s agricultural heritage.
Kentucky State Bird
Kentucky’s state bird is the Northern Cardinal, chosen in 1926. This bird is celebrated for its vivid red color and joyful song. The Northern Cardinal is commonly seen in backyards and woodlands, making it a beloved symbol of Kentucky’s natural beauty.
Louisiana State Bird
The Brown Pelican is Louisiana’s state bird. This large coastal bird is known for its impressive diving ability to catch fish. The Brown Pelican symbolizes Louisiana’s coastal ecosystems and has been a part of the state’s identity since 1966.
Maine State Bird
Maine chose the Black-capped Chickadee as its state bird. Recognized for its distinctive black cap and cheerful call, the Black-capped Chickadee is a year-round resident. Its hardy nature and presence throughout Maine’s forests make it a fitting choice. The Black-capped Chickadee was chosen in 1927.
Maryland State Bird
The Baltimore Oriole has represented Maryland since 1947. This striking bird, with its bright orange and black plumage, is a summer visitor to the state. The Baltimore Oriole is linked to the state’s history and culture, sharing its name with the largest city, Baltimore.
Massachusetts State Bird
Massachusetts’ state bird is the Black-capped Chickadee. Known for its friendly nature and distinctive black and white coloring, the Black-capped Chickadee is a common sight in the state’s woodlands and gardens. It was designated as the state bird in 1941.
Michigan State Bird
The American Robin is Michigan’s state bird since 1931. This bird is known for its vibrant red breast and song that signals the arrival of spring. The American Robin’s widespread presence and cheerful song make it a beloved symbol in Michigan.
Minnesota State Bird
Minnesotaโs state bird is the Common Loon, adopted in 1961. This iconic waterbird is known for its eerie, beautiful calls and striking black and white plumage. The Common Loon is a symbol of Minnesotaโs pristine lakes and wilderness.
Mississippi State Bird
Mississippi chose the Northern Mockingbird as its state bird in 1944. Known for its mimicking abilities and diverse vocalizations, the Northern Mockingbird represents the state’s diverse habitats.
Missouri State Bird
The Eastern Bluebird is Missouri’s state bird, designated in 1927. Recognized for its brilliant blue feathers and mellow song, the Eastern Bluebird thrives in open woodlands and is a symbol of happiness and hospitality in Missouri.
Montana State Bird
Montana’s state bird is the Western Meadowlark, chosen in 1931. With its striking yellow chest and melodic song, the Western Meadowlark can be found throughout the open prairies of Montana. Its presence represents the state’s wide, open spaces.
Nebraska State Bird
The Western Meadowlark is also the state bird of Nebraska. Known for its beautiful yellow breast and distinct song, this bird is a common sight in Nebraskaโs grasslands and prairies. It was designated as the state bird in 1929.
Nevada State Bird
Nevada’s state bird is the Mountain Bluebird, designated in 1967. This bird, with its bright blue plumage, is often seen in open spaces and high altitudes. The Mountain Bluebird reflects Nevadaโs variable landscapes and natural beauty.
New Hampshire State Bird
The Purple Finch is New Hampshire’s state bird, adopted in 1957. This small songbird is known for its raspberry-colored plumage in males and is commonly found in forests and backyards. The Purple Finch adds color and song to New Hampshireโs environment.
New Jersey State Bird
New Jersey chose the Eastern Goldfinch as its state bird in 1935. Also known as the American Goldfinch, this small bird is known for its bright yellow feathers during breeding season. The Eastern Goldfinch is a common sight in gardens and fields across New Jersey.
New Mexico State Bird
The Greater Roadrunner has represented New Mexico since 1949. This unique bird is known for its distinctive appearance and quick running speed. The Greater Roadrunner is well adapted to New Mexico’s desert environment and symbolizes the stateโs unique wildlife.
New York State Bird
New York’s state bird is the Eastern Bluebird, chosen in 1970. This bird is recognized for its brilliant blue feathers and melodious song. Found in fields and gardens, the Eastern Bluebird is a symbol of happiness and renewal.
North Carolina State Bird
The state bird of North Carolina is the Northern Cardinal. Known for its vivid red color and melodic song, the Northern Cardinal is a common year-round resident in North Carolina. It was designated as the state bird in 1943.
North Dakota State Bird
North Dakota’s state bird is the Western Meadowlark, chosen in 1947. This bird is recognized for its yellow breast and cheerful song. Found in open fields and grasslands, the Western Meadowlark is a fitting symbol for North Dakotaโs wide-open spaces.
Ohio State Bird
The Northern Cardinal is Ohioโs state bird, designated in 1933. Appreciated for its bright red plumage and melodic song, the Northern Cardinal is a familiar sight in Ohio’s woodlands and gardens throughout the year.
Oklahoma State Bird
Oklahoma chose the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher as its state bird. Known for its long, forked tail and graceful flight, this bird is commonly seen in open country. The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was chosen in 1951 and adds a unique flair to Oklahomaโs avian life.
Oregon State Bird
The Western Meadowlark represents Oregon. Known for its striking yellow breast and melodious song, the Western Meadowlark is found in Oregon’s open fields and grasslands. It has symbolized the stateโs natural beauty and rural heritage since 1927.
Pennsylvania State Bird
The Ruffed Grouse is Pennsylvania’s state bird. Recognized for its distinct drumming display during courtship, the Ruffed Grouse is found in the stateโs forests. The bird was designated in 1931 and symbolizes Pennsylvaniaโs rich wildlife.
Rhode Island State Bird
Rhode Island’s state bird is the Rhode Island Red, a breed of domestic chicken. Known for its hardiness and prolific egg-laying, the Rhode Island Red represents the stateโs agricultural history and was chosen in 1954.
South Carolina State Bird
The Carolina Wren has been the state bird of South Carolina since 1948. This small bird is known for its loud, cheerful song and adaptability to various habitats. The Carolina Wren is a year-round resident and a symbol of resilience.
South Dakota State Bird
The Ring-necked Pheasant is South Dakota’s state bird. Known for its striking plumage and distinctive call, the pheasant is commonly seen in the state’s fields and grasslands. It was chosen in 1943 and reflects South Dakotaโs hunting traditions.
Tennessee State Bird
The Northern Mockingbird has represented Tennessee since 1933. Valued for its mimicking abilities and diverse vocalizations, the Northern Mockingbird is a common sight throughout the state and adds charm to Tennessee’s landscapes.
Texas State Bird
Texas chose the Northern Mockingbird as its state bird in 1927. This bird is known for its ability to mimic other bird songs and its wide range throughout Texas. Appreciated for its comprehensive vocal repertoire, the Northern Mockingbird embodies the state’s diverse environments.
Utah State Bird
Utah’s state bird is the California Gull. This bird is celebrated for its historical significance in helping early settlers control a cricket invasion. Found along the Great Salt Lake, the California Gull was designated as the state bird in 1955.
Vermont State Bird
The Hermit Thrush is Vermontโs state bird. Known for its beautiful, haunting song, the Hermit Thrush is often found in the stateโs forests. It was selected in 1941 and symbolizes Vermontโs tranquil natural beauty.
Virginia State Bird
Virginia’s state bird is the Northern Cardinal, and has been since 1950. Known for its bright red plumage and melodic song, the Northern Cardinal is a common and beloved sight throughout the state. It was designated as the state bird in 1950.
Washington State Bird
The Willow Goldfinch, also known as the American Goldfinch, represents Washington. This small bird is recognized for its bright yellow feathers during the breeding season and is commonly seen in fields and gardens. The Willow Goldfinch was chosen as the state bird in 1951.
West Virginia State Bird
West Virginia’s state bird is the Northern Cardinal, and has been since 1949. Known for its vivid red feathers and cheerful song, the Northern Cardinal is a familiar sight in the stateโs backyards and forests throughout the year.
Wisconsin State Bird
The American Robin has Wisconsin’s state bird since 1949. Celebrated for its red breast and early arrival in spring, the American Robin is a common and welcome sight in Wisconsinโs gardens and parks.
Wyoming State Bird
The Western Meadowlark has been Wyoming’s state bird since 1927. Known for its yellow breast and melodious song, the Western Meadowlark is commonly seen in the stateโs open fields and prairies. It reflects the wide-open spaces and natural beauty of Wyoming.
