briefpedia.org
Articles/U.S. State Birds: A Complete History and List of Official Avian Symbols
U.S. state birdsofficial state birdsstate bird listnorthern cardinalwestern meadowlark

U.S. State Birds: A Complete History and List of Official Avian Symbols

A Guide to the Official State Birds of the United States Across the United States, many states have chosen a specific avian species to represent their unique identity and natural heritage...

A Guide to the Official State Birds of the United States

Across the United States, many states have chosen a specific avian species to represent their unique identity and natural heritage. These official designations serve as symbols of local pride, celebrating the diverse wildlife that inhabits different regions of the country.

The tradition of selecting state birds gained momentum in the 1920s, largely driven by a campaign from the General Federation of Women's Clubs. Kentucky led the way in 1926 by adopting the northern cardinal. Following this, several states including Alabama, Florida, Maine, Missouri, Oregon, Texas, and Wyoming joined the movement. The process of official adoption continued for decades, with New York becoming the final state to designate its bird in 1970.

A map of the U.S. showing in red which states and territories have an official state bird.
A map of the U.S. showing in red which states and territories have an official state bird.
: A map of the U.S. showing in red which states and territories have an official state bird.

Key Facts

  • Most Popular Bird: The northern cardinal is the state bird for seven different states.
  • Runner Up: The western meadowlark is the state bird for six states.
  • First State: Kentucky was the first to adopt a state bird in 1926.
  • Last State: New York was the last to adopt its official bird in 1970.
  • Special Designations: Some states designate additional birds, such as state game birds (for hunting purposes), state raptors (birds of prey), or state migratory birds.

Understanding State Bird Classifications

While most states have a single official bird, the legal landscape of state symbols can be quite nuanced. Some states utilize different categories to honor various types of wildlife.

State Game Birds and Hunting

A state game bird is a species designated specifically for the purpose of hunting. Several states, such as Alabama, Georgia, Massachusetts, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Tennessee, have designated these additional birds. Interestingly, some states like Alaska, California, and South Dakota permit the hunting of their primary state birds.

Raptors and Migratory Birds

Other states honor specialized categories of avian life. For example, Idaho has designated the peregrine falcon as its state raptor (a bird of prey), and Delaware has designated the red knot as its state migratory bird (a species that travels long distances seasonally).

Map showing in red which U.S. states and territories have designated a state bird in addition to their official state bird
Map showing in red which U.S. states and territories have designated a state bird in addition to their official state bird
: Map showing in red which U.S. states and territories have designated a state bird in addition to their official state bird

Comprehensive List of U.S. State Birds

The following table provides a detailed look at the official state birds, their scientific names, and the year they were adopted.

Official State Birds by State and Territory
State, District, or Territory Bird Scientific Name Year Adopted
Alabama Yellowhammer (northern flicker) Colaptes auratus 1927
Alaska Willow ptarmigan Lagopus lagopus 1955
American Samoa N/a N/a N/a
Arizona Cactus wren Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus 1931
Arkansas Northern mockingbird Mimus polyglottos 1929
California California quail Callipepla californica 1931
Colorado Lark bunting Calamospiza melanocorys 1931
Connecticut American robin Turdus migratorius 1943
Delaware Blue Hen Chicken Gallus gallus domesticus 1939
District of Columbia Wood thrush Hylocichla mustelina 1938
Florida Northern mockingbird Mimus polyglottos 1927
Georgia Brown thrasher Toxostoma rufum 1928
Guam Guam rail (ko'ko' ) Gallirallus owstoni 2000
Hawaii Nene (Hawaiian goose) Branta sandvicensis 1957
Idaho Mountain bluebird Sialia currucoides 1931
Illinois Northern cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis 1929
Indiana Northern cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis 1933
Iowa Eastern goldfinch Spinus tristis tristis 1933
Kansas Western meadowlark Sturnella neglecta 1933
Kentucky Northern cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis 1926
Louisiana Eastern brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis 1966
Maine Chickadee Poecile species 1927
Maryland Baltimore oriole Icterus galbula 1947
Massachusetts Black-capped chickadee Poecile atricapillus 1941
Michigan American robin Turdus migratorius 1931
Minnesota Common loon Gavia immer 1961
Mississippi Northern mockingbird Mimus polyglottos 1944
Missouri Eastern bluebird Sialia sialis 1927
Montana Western meadowlark Sturnella neglecta 1941
Nebraska Western meadowlark Sturnella neglecta 1929
Nevada Mountain bluebird Sialia currucoides 1967
New Hampshire Purple finch Haemorhous purpureus 1957
New Jersey Eastern goldfinch Spinus tristis tristis 1935
New Mexico Greater roadrunner Geococcyx californianus 1949
New York Eastern bluebird Sialia sialis 1970
North Carolina Northern cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis 1943
North Dakota Western meadowlark Sturnella neglecta 1947
Northern Mariana Islands Mariana fruit-dove Ptilinopus roseicapilla Unknown
Ohio Northern cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis 1933
Oklahoma Scissor-tailed flycatcher Tyrannus forficatus 1951
Oregon Western meadowlark (songbird) Sturnella neglecta 1927
Pennsylvania Ruffed grouse (game bird) Bonasa umbellus 1931
Puerto Rico Puerto Rican spindalis Spindalis portoricensis Unknown
Rhode Island Rhode Island Red Gallus gallus domesticus 1954
South Carolina Carolina wren Thryothorus ludovicianus 1948
South Dakota Ring-necked pheasant Phasianus colchicus 1943
Tennessee Northern mockingbird Mimus polyglottos 1933
Texas Northern mockingbird Mimus polyglottos 1927
Utah California gull Larus californicus 1955
Vermont Hermit thrush Catharus guttatus 1941
Virgin Islands Bananaquit Coereba flaveola 1970
Virginia Northern cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis 1950
Washington Willow goldfinch Spinus tristis salicamans 1951
West Virginia Northern cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis 1949
Wisconsin American robin Turdus migratorius 1949
Wyoming Western meadowlark Sturnella neglecta 1927
Northern cardinal Western meadowlark Northern mockingbird American robin American goldfinch Chickadee Chicken Eastern bluebird Mountain bluebird Unique state bird
Northern cardinal Western meadowlark Northern mockingbird American robin American goldfinch Chickadee Chicken Eastern bluebird Mountain bluebird Unique state bird
: Northern cardinal Western meadowlark Northern mockingbird American robin American goldfinch Chickadee Chicken Eastern bluebird Mountain bluebird Unique state bird

Frequently Asked Questions

Which bird is the most common state bird in the U.S.?

The northern cardinal is the most frequent choice, serving as the official state bird for seven different states.

Does every state have an official state bird?

Most states do, but there are exceptions. For example, Pennsylvania has not chosen an official state bird, though it has designated the ruffed grouse as its state game bird.

What is the difference between a state bird and a state game bird?

A state bird is a general symbol for the state, whereas a state game bird is a specific designation used for the purpose of hunting.

Which state was the last to adopt a state bird?

New York was the last state to officially adopt its state bird, doing so in 1970.

Are there states with multiple bird designations?

Yes. Many states have multiple designations, such as a state bird alongside a state raptor (bird of prey), a state waterfowl, or a state migratory bird.