Northern Cardinal: The Top In-house Diva

The northern cardinal is a champion among state birds. It holds top honors in seven states:

• Illinois

• Indiana

• Kentucky

• North Carolina

• Ohio

• Virginia

• West Virginia

Other popular choices include the Western meadowlark and the mockingbird.

The Hungry Gulls to the Rescue in Utah

The California gull became Utah’s state bird after it made an impressive appearance in 1848. This bird defended farms by eating a huge amount of bugs, saving crops from a serious insect plague. Unfortunately, the California gull has a bad reputation.

What is the National Flower, Bird, and Tree of the USA?

Maine’s Chickadee Confusion

Maine is home to two species of chickadee:

• The common black-capped chickadee

• The elusive boreal chickadee

Maine simply requires that “the chickadee” be named the official bird. This means bird lovers in Maine can lure these tiny songbirds.

Hawaii’s Bird Gets a Boost

Good news! Hawaii’s nene has come off the endangered species list. Thanks to conservation efforts, the nene population is on the rise.

Standalone State Birds

Nineteen bird species live in only one state each. Some of these include:

• Greater roadrunner (New Mexico)

• Common loon (Minnesota)

• Brown pelican (Louisiana)

Log In: American Robins Are the Favorite in Five Southern States

The History of State Birds

The idea of state birds began in the 1920s with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Curious About Smart Birds?

Discover which birds are considered the smartest species in America.

Overview of Official State Birds

Here’s a list of each official state bird, organized by statehood:

Alabama: Yellowhammer (Northern Flicker)

Alabama’s state bird since 1927 is the northern flicker, known as the yellowhammer. This woodpecker has a Civil War connection and is unique as a state bird.

Alaska: Willow Ptarmigan

Declared the state bird in 1960, the willow ptarmigan is native to Alaska’s treeless areas. This bird changes color from light brown in summer to pure white in winter.

Arizona: Cactus Wren

Arizona chose the Cactus Wren as its state bird in 1931. This wren is the largest in its range and perches atop cacti.

Arkansas: Mockingbird

The mockingbird is common and official in much of the nation. Arkansas shares this bird with Florida, Texas, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Mockingbirds can imitate up to 200 songs.

California: California Quail

Designated as the state bird in 1931, the California quail is small and intricate-looking. They usually remain motionless but can fly away quickly when in danger.

Colorado: Lark Bunting

The Lark Bunting became the state bird of Colorado in 1931. Males are jet black in summer and gray in winter. They are known for their unique “warbling” mating call.

Connecticut: American Robin

The American Robin is also a state bird of Wisconsin and Michigan. Its shape resembles a robin, but it is not the same bird as the European robin.

Delaware: Blue Hen Chicken

Delaware’s state bird has an interesting backstory. There is no true blue hen variety, but a regiment in the Revolutionary War was called the “Blue Hen’s Chickens.”

Washington, D.C.: Wood Thrush

The wood thrush is about the size of an American robin but has a smaller body. They are shy and prefer living in trees.

Explore the amazing world of state birds!