What Is the State Bird of West Virginia?

The state bird of West Virginia is the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). Officially designated in 1949, this striking red songbird has become a beloved symbol of the Mountain State, frequently appearing in regional art, literature, and conservation efforts. Known for its bright plumage and melodious song, the Northern Cardinal stands out as one of the most recognizable birds across eastern North America, making it a fitting emblem for West Virginia’s rich natural heritage. This choice reflects both biological significance and deep-rooted cultural appreciation, blending ornithological relevance with symbolic meaning in a way that resonates with residents and birdwatchers alike.

History and Official Adoption

West Virginia made the Northern Cardinal its official state bird on February 14, 1949, when the state legislature passed House Concurrent Resolution No. 13. Prior to this designation, several other birds were considered, including the American Robin and the Eastern Bluebird, both of which are common throughout the region. However, the Northern Cardinal’s year-round presence, vivid coloration, and strong vocalizations gave it an edge in public favor and legislative support.

The campaign to select a state bird was part of a broader mid-20th-century movement among U.S. states to adopt official symbols—ranging from flowers to trees to birds—as a means of fostering civic pride and environmental awareness. In West Virginia’s case, schoolchildren, nature clubs, and wildlife organizations participated in discussions and voting processes, contributing to a democratic and educational approach to state symbolism.

Biological Profile of the Northern Cardinal

The Northern Cardinal is a medium-sized songbird belonging to the family Cardinalidae. Males are easily identified by their brilliant crimson feathers, black face mask, and prominent crest, while females exhibit more subdued tones—olive-brown bodies with reddish tinges on wings, tail, and crest. Despite the difference in coloration, both sexes share a distinctive cone-shaped bill adapted for seed-eating and a loud, clear whistle used in communication.

• Scientific Name: Cardinalis cardinalis
• Length: 8–9 inches (21–23 cm)
• Wingspan: 10–12 inches (25–31 cm)
• Weight: 1.5–1.7 ounces (42–48 g)
• Lifespan: Up to 13–15 years in the wild
• Diet: Seeds, fruits, insects

These birds are non-migratory, meaning they remain in their established territories throughout the year. This sedentary behavior makes them especially visible during winter months when many other species have migrated south—a key reason they were favored as a state symbol representing resilience and continuity.

Habitat and Distribution in West Virginia

Northern Cardinals thrive in a variety of habitats, including woodland edges, shrubby fields, suburban gardens, and riparian zones. In West Virginia, they are found statewide, from lowland valleys to higher elevations in the Allegheny Mountains. Their adaptability to human-modified landscapes has contributed to population stability and even growth over recent decades.

Key regions where cardinals are commonly observed include:

• Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
• Monongahela National Forest
• Greenbrier Valley
• Kanawha River corridor

They prefer dense thickets and hedgerows for nesting, often building cup-shaped nests 3–10 feet above ground in multiflora rose, hawthorn, or evergreen shrubs.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

Beyond its biological attributes, the Northern Cardinal holds deep symbolic value in West Virginia culture. The bird’s red plumage is often associated with vitality, passion, and endurance—qualities aligned with the spirit of Appalachian resilience. Many locals view sightings of cardinals as signs of hope or messages from loved ones who have passed, a belief rooted in Native American traditions and reinforced through modern folklore.

In addition, the cardinal appears frequently in regional artwork, holiday cards, and school emblems. Several high schools in West Virginia use the cardinal as a mascot, further embedding it into local identity. Its image also features prominently in tourism materials, reinforcing its role as a living ambassador of the state’s biodiversity.

Why Was the Northern Cardinal Chosen?

Several factors influenced the decision to name the Northern Cardinal as West Virginia’s state bird:

1. Year-Round Presence: Unlike migratory species, cardinals can be seen in every season, making them consistently visible symbols.
2. Vivid Appearance: The male’s bright red feathers stand out against snow-covered landscapes, enhancing visibility and aesthetic appeal.
3. Distinctive Song: Both males and females sing complex melodies, often duetting during breeding season—an unusual trait among songbirds.
4. Public Popularity: Polls conducted among schoolchildren and civic groups showed overwhelming preference for the cardinal over alternatives.
5. Ecological Resilience: The species’ ability to adapt to changing environments mirrors the perseverance valued in West Virginian communities.

Importantly, no other state had claimed the cardinal as its sole state bird at the time of adoption (though it would later be shared with Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia), giving West Virginia early ownership of this iconic representation.

How to Spot Northern Cardinals in West Virginia

For birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, spotting a Northern Cardinal in West Virginia is both accessible and rewarding. Here are practical tips for increasing your chances:

• Visit at Dawn or Dusk: Cardinals are most active during early morning and late afternoon hours.
• Listen for Calls: Their song consists of a series of clear, whistled phrases like “what-cheer, what-cheer” or “birdie-birdie-birdie.” They also produce sharp metallic alarm calls (“chip!”).
• Look in Backyards: Install sunflower seed feeders, especially tube or hopper types. Cardinals prefer feeding off the ground or on platform feeders.
• Preserve Native Shrubs: Planting native cover such as dogwood, spicebush, or sumac provides shelter and nesting sites.
• Avoid Pesticides: Chemical-free yards support insect populations essential for young cardinals during breeding season.

Using binoculars with 8x42 magnification enhances viewing clarity without disturbing the birds. Apps like Merlin Bird ID or eBird can help log sightings and contribute to citizen science databases.

Conservation Status and Environmental Role

The Northern Cardinal is currently listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Populations have remained stable or increased slightly due to habitat expansion into suburban areas and widespread use of backyard feeders. However, localized threats do exist, including:

• Habitat fragmentation from urban development
• Predation by domestic cats
• Window collisions
• Pesticide exposure affecting food sources

In West Virginia, conservation agencies encourage landowners to create bird-friendly environments through initiatives like the Certified Wildlife Habitat program. Protecting riparian buffers and promoting native plant landscaping helps maintain healthy cardinal populations.

Common Misconceptions About the State Bird

Despite its popularity, several myths surround the Northern Cardinal in West Virginia:

• Misconception: Cardinals are rare because they’re so colorful.
  Reality: Their bright color doesn’t make them rare; they are actually quite common and widespread.
• Misconception: Only male cardinals sing.
  Reality: Females sing regularly, particularly before dawn, and often coordinate songs with mates.
• Misconception: Cardinals migrate south in winter.
  Reality: They are permanent residents and do not migrate.
• Misconception: The cardinal was chosen because it appears in state flags.
  Reality: It predates any official flag inclusion and was selected independently based on public input.

Comparison With Other State Birds

While many states have chosen raptors or waterfowl as symbols, West Virginia’s selection of a small songbird reflects a focus on everyday natural beauty rather than grandeur. A comparative look reveals interesting contrasts:

State	State Bird	Year Adopted	Notable Traits
West Virginia	Northern Cardinal	1949	Vibrant red color, year-round resident, sings frequently
Kentucky	Northern Cardinal	1926	Same species, earlier adoption
Virginia	Northern Cardinal	1950	Adopted shortly after West Virginia
Ohio	Northern Cardinal	1933	First state to adopt the cardinal
Maine	Black-capped Chickadee	1927	Small, hardy songbird
Alaska	Willow Ptarmigan	1955	Camouflaged game bird adapted to Arctic conditions

This table illustrates how regional ecology and cultural preferences shape symbolic choices. The repeated selection of the cardinal across multiple states underscores its broad appeal across the eastern United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did West Virginia choose the Northern Cardinal as its state bird?

West Virginia officially adopted the Northern Cardinal as its state bird on February 14, 1949, through legislative resolution.

Is the Northern Cardinal found throughout West Virginia?

Yes, Northern Cardinals are present in all 55 counties of West Virginia and can be observed year-round in forests, backyards, and parks.

Do female Northern Cardinals have red feathers?

Females are primarily tan or olive-brown but display warm reddish hues on their wings, tails, and crests, though less intense than males.

Can I attract cardinals to my yard in West Virginia?

Yes. Provide sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and dense shrubbery. Avoid using pesticides and consider installing a birdbath for drinking and bathing.

Why is the cardinal a symbol of hope in West Virginia?

Many people believe seeing a cardinal brings comfort or signals a visit from a departed loved one, a tradition rooted in indigenous and Appalachian folk beliefs.