7 States Have the Cardinal as the State Bird

The northern cardinal is the official state bird of seven U.S. states, making it the most widely adopted state bird in the country. If you've ever wondered how many states have the cardinal as the state bird, the answer is clear: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia all proudly designate the vibrant red northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) as their official avian emblem. This widespread recognition speaks not only to the bird’s striking appearance but also to its cultural resonance, year-round presence, and symbolic significance across the eastern United States.

Why the Northern Cardinal Is So Widely Celebrated

The northern cardinal stands out in the avian world for several reasons. Males are instantly recognizable by their brilliant crimson plumage, prominent crest, and bold black facial markings. Females, while more subdued with tan or olive feathers, still feature warm red accents on their wings, tail, and crest—along with the same distinctive silhouette. Unlike many songbirds that migrate, cardinals are non-migratory and remain in their territories throughout the year, bringing color to winter landscapes when other birds have flown south.

This consistent presence has made the cardinal a beloved backyard visitor and a familiar sight in woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and suburban areas across the eastern and central U.S. Their melodious whistling songs—often described as a series of clear, paired notes—add an auditory charm that further endears them to birdwatchers and casual observers alike.

A Historical Look at State Bird Designations

State birds were first adopted in the early 20th century as part of broader efforts to promote local pride and conservation awareness. The movement gained momentum after the National Audubon Society encouraged states to select official birds through schoolchildren votes or legislative decisions. Most states finalized their choices between the 1920s and 1950s.

The northern cardinal’s popularity led to its repeated selection. Below is a detailed table showing each state that chose the cardinal, the year of adoption, and notable facts about the decision:

State	Year Adopted	Legislative Process	Notable Facts
Illinois	1929	Voted by schoolchildren, confirmed by legislature	First state to adopt the cardinal as its official bird
Indiana	1933	Chosen via public vote organized by Indiana Federation of Women’s Clubs	Selected over the goldfinch and meadowlark
Kentucky	1926	Adopted by General Assembly	One of the earliest official designations; reflects regional identity
North Carolina	1943	Passed by state legislature without public vote	Replaced the mockingbird, which became the state bird of Texas
Ohio	1933	Voted by public, including schoolchildren	Won decisively over the bobolink and bluebird
Virginia	1950	Legislatively adopted	Symbolizes natural beauty and resilience
West Virginia	1949	Chosen by legislature following advocacy campaigns	Shares many ecological zones with Virginia and Kentucky

Biological Profile of the Northern Cardinal

Beyond its symbolic role, the northern cardinal is a fascinating species from a biological standpoint. Here are key characteristics every birder should know:

• Scientific Name: Cardinalis cardinalis
• Family: Cardinalidae
• Length: 8–9 inches (21–23 cm)
• Wingspan: 10–12 inches (25–31 cm)
• Lifespan: Up to 15 years in the wild (average 3 years)
• Diet: Primarily seeds, grains, fruits, and insects; frequent visitors to bird feeders offering sunflower seeds
• Habitat: Forest edges, thickets, hedgerows, backyards, urban parks
• Range: Eastern and central United States, parts of Mexico and Arizona
• Vocalization: Loud, clear whistles; both males and females sing, which is rare among songbirds

One of the cardinal’s most unique traits is that females sing. In most bird species, only males sing to defend territory or attract mates. Female cardinals, however, use song to communicate with their mates, often singing from the nest during incubation. This duetting behavior strengthens pair bonds and may help coordinate feeding duties.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

The cardinal carries deep symbolic meaning in various cultures and belief systems. For many people, seeing a cardinal is considered a sign of hope, renewal, or spiritual visitation. Some Native American traditions view the bird as a messenger between worlds. In Christian symbolism, the red plumage is sometimes associated with the blood of Christ or the presence of a departed loved one.

This emotional connection contributes to the bird’s popularity beyond ornithology. It frequently appears in art, literature, holiday cards, and sports team logos—most notably the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. Its vivid color makes it a favorite subject for photographers and nature enthusiasts, especially in snowy settings where its red feathers stand out dramatically.

How to Attract Cardinals to Your Yard

If you live within the cardinal’s range and want to increase your chances of spotting these beautiful birds, consider these practical tips:

1. Provide Food: Cardinals prefer large seeds like black-oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, cracked corn, and peanuts. Use platform feeders or hopper feeders with wide perches, as cardinals are too large for tube feeders with small openings.
2. Offer Shelter: Plant native shrubs and dense trees such as dogwood, holly, viburnum, and cedar. These provide cover from predators and nesting sites.
3. Install a Water Source: A birdbath with shallow water (2–3 inches deep) encourages drinking and bathing. Add a heater in winter to keep water accessible.
4. Avoid Pesticides: Chemicals reduce insect populations, which are important food sources for young cardinals.
5. Keep Cats Indoors: Domestic cats are a leading cause of bird mortality. Keeping them inside protects cardinals and other wildlife.

Timing matters too. Cardinals are most active at dawn and dusk. Early morning visits to feeders are common, so ensure food is replenished overnight.

Regional Differences in Cardinal Popularity

While seven states have formally adopted the cardinal as their state bird, its influence extends far beyond those borders. In neighboring states like Tennessee, Missouri, and Pennsylvania, cardinals are extremely common and culturally significant—even though they aren’t the official state bird.

In contrast, western states tend to favor different species reflective of their ecosystems. For example, Arizona chose the cactus wren, and California selected the California quail. The geographic distribution of the northern cardinal largely follows the availability of suitable habitat—dense brush, woodland edges, and human-modified landscapes with reliable food sources.

Interestingly, the cardinal has expanded its range northward over the past century due to milder winters and increased bird feeding. Once rare in New England, it is now regularly seen in southern Maine and Vermont—a shift documented by citizen science projects like eBird and Project FeederWatch.

Common Misconceptions About the Cardinal

Despite its fame, several myths persist about the northern cardinal:

• Misconception: Only male cardinals sing.
  Truth: Both sexes sing, and female song plays an important role in breeding behavior.
• Misconception: Cardinals migrate.
  Truth: They are permanent residents and typically stay within a mile of their birthplace for life.
• Misconception: Seeing a cardinal brings guaranteed good luck.
  Truth: While many find comfort in such encounters, this is a cultural interpretation rather than a biological fact.
• Misconception: All cardinals are bright red.
  Truth: Females are mostly tan with reddish tinges, and rare genetic variations can produce yellow or even albino cardinals.

Verifying Official State Symbols

If you're researching state birds for educational, legal, or creative purposes, always verify information through official government sources. State legislatures maintain records of designated symbols, which can be found on official state websites (.gov domains), archives, or publications from state natural resource departments.

For instance, the Illinois General Assembly website includes Public Act 096-0001, which reaffirms the cardinal as the state bird. Similarly, Virginia’s Legislative Information System provides access to House Joint Resolution No. 194 from 1950, formalizing the designation.

Be cautious of outdated or unofficial websites that may list incorrect information. Cross-reference multiple authoritative sources when confirming details about state symbols.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which state was the first to adopt the cardinal as its state bird?

Illinois was the first state to officially name the northern cardinal as its state bird in 1929.

Are there any states that recently changed their state bird to the cardinal?

No. All seven states adopted the cardinal between 1926 and 1950. There have been no recent changes.

Do any Canadian provinces have the cardinal as a provincial bird?

No. The northern cardinal is not a provincial bird in Canada, although it is found in southern Ontario and occasionally Quebec.

Why do so many states choose the same bird?

The cardinal’s visibility, beauty, year-round presence, and cultural appeal make it a strong candidate. States often select birds that are both common and meaningful to residents.

Can I see cardinals outside the seven states that honor them?

Yes. The cardinal’s range spans over 30 U.S. states. You can observe them in backyards, parks, and forests across much of the eastern and central U.S., regardless of official designations.