What the State Bird Is for Every U.S. State

The state bird of each U.S. state is a designated avian symbol that represents the cultural, historical, and ecological identity of that region. When someone searches for what the state bird represents or which species holds this honor in a particular state, they are often seeking both symbolic meaning and biological facts about these officially recognized birds. Each state in the United States has selected its own official bird through legislative action, typically based on popularity, uniqueness to the region, or historical significance. These choices reflect not only natural heritage but also civic pride, making the search for what the state bird means across America a journey into both ornithology and American tradition.

History and Significance of State Birds

The practice of designating official state birds began in the early 20th century as part of a broader movement to establish unique symbols for each state, including flags, flowers, trees, and songs. The first state to adopt an official bird was Massachusetts in 1941, choosing the black-capped chickadee—a small, hardy songbird known for its curiosity and resilience. However, many states had already informally recognized certain birds before formal legislation was passed.

By 1970, all 50 states had adopted an official bird. These selections were often influenced by public school campaigns, nature organizations, or state Audubon societies. For example, the northern cardinal became the state bird of seven states—more than any other species—due to its bright red plumage, year-round presence, and widespread appeal across the eastern and central U.S.

The selection process varies by state but usually involves proposals from citizens, educators, or conservation groups, followed by debate and voting in the state legislature. In some cases, the governor may issue an executive order, though most appointments require statutory approval. This democratic aspect underscores how deeply embedded state birds are in local identity.

State-by-State Overview of Official Birds

Below is a comprehensive table listing every U.S. state with its official bird, scientific name, year of adoption, and notable characteristics:

State	Official Bird	Scientific Name	Year Adopted	Key Traits
Alabama	Northern Flicker (Yellowhammer)	Colaptes auratus	1927	Woodpecker with golden wing linings; nickname tied to Civil War history
Alaska	Willow Ptarmigan	Lagopus lagopus	1955	Arctic grouse that turns white in winter; adapted to tundra environments
Arizona	Cactus Wren	Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus	1931	Loud, bold songster of desert regions; nests in cacti
Arkansas	Northern Mockingbird	Mimus polyglottos	1929	Master mimic; sings at night; common in suburban areas
California	California Quail	Callipepla californica	1931	Plump ground-dweller with topknot; moves in coveys
Colorado	Lark Bunting	Calamospiza melanocorys	1931	Black-and-white sparrow; migratory grassland bird
Connecticut	American Robin	Turdus migratorius	1943	Ubiquitous thrush; heralds spring; nests in lawns and trees
Delaware	Blue Hen Chicken	Gallus gallus domesticus	1939	Breed derived from gamefowl; linked to Revolutionary War soldiers
Florida	Northern Mockingbird	Mimus polyglottos	1927	Also state bird of Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas
Georgia	Brown Thrasher	Toxostoma rufum	1970	Songbird with complex vocalizations; related to mockingbirds
Hawaii	Nene (Hawaiian Goose)	Branta sandvicensis	1957	Endangered species; endemic to Hawaiian Islands
Idaho	Mountain Bluebird	Sialia currucoides	1931	Vibrant blue plumage; inhabits open meadows and mountain slopes
Illinois	Northern Cardinal	Cardinalis cardinalis	1929	Year-round resident; males brightly colored; popular backyard feeder bird
Indiana	Northern Cardinal	Cardinalis cardinalis	1933	Also state bird of six other states
Iowa	Eastern Goldfinch	Spinus tristis	1933	Bright yellow finch; prefers thistle seeds; late nester
Kansas	Western Meadowlark	Sturnella neglecta	1937	Prominent flute-like song; found in prairies and farmlands
Kentucky	Northern Cardinal	Cardinalis cardinalis	1926	One of earliest states to adopt cardinal
Louisiana	Brown Pelican	Pelecanus occidentalis	1966	Dives headfirst for fish; coastal icon; once endangered
Maine	Chickadee	Parus atricapillus	1927	Hardy, intelligent songbird; common in forests and backyards
Maryland	Baltimore Oriole	Icterus galbula	1947	Orange-and-black plumage; named after Lord Baltimore's livery colors
Massachusetts	Black-capped Chickadee	Parus atricapillus	1941	First official state bird; friendly and curious
Michigan	American Robin	Turdus migratorius	1931	Widespread; often seen pulling worms from lawns
Minnesota	Common Loon	Gavia immer	1961	Iconic call heard on northern lakes; excellent diver
Mississippi	Northern Mockingbird	Mimus polyglottos	1944	Known for mimicking car alarms, other birds
Missouri	Eastern Bluebird	Sialia sialis	1927	Cavity nester; benefits from nest box programs
Montana	Western Meadowlark	Sturnella neglecta	1931	Also state bird of Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon
Nebraska	Western Meadowlark	Sturnella neglecta	1929	Songs mark the arrival of spring on Great Plains
Nevada	Mountain Bluebird	Sialia currucoides	1967	Symbolizes sky and mountain wilderness
New Hampshire	Purple Finch	Haemorhous purpureus	1957	Rose-pink plumage; coniferous forest dweller
New Jersey	Earnestness (unofficial); no official bird*	N/A	Pending	*As of 2024, New Jersey has no legally designated state bird
New Mexico	Greater Roadrunner	Geococcyx californianus	1949	Fast-running cuckoo; desert-adapted; appears in Native American lore
New York	Eastern Bluebird	Sialia sialis	1970	Revived through conservation efforts
North Carolina	Northern Cardinal	Cardinalis cardinalis	1943	Popular garden visitor; males sing throughout winter
North Dakota	Western Meadowlark	Sturnella neglecta	1947	State song also features meadowlark melody
Ohio	Northern Cardinal	Cardinalis cardinalis	1933	Also state reptile? No — this highlights need for accurate research
Oklahoma	Scissor-tailed Flycatcher	Tyrannus forficatus	1951	Long-tailed aerial hunter; graceful flight displays
Oregon	American Western Meadowlark	Sturnella neglecta	1927	Distinguished from eastern subspecies by song and range
Pennsylvania	Ruffed Grouse	Bonasa umbellus	1931	Forest game bird; performs drumming display in spring
Rhode Island	Red-breasted Merganser	Mergus serrator	1954	Diving duck; winters along coast; less commonly seen inland
South Carolina	Carolina Wren	Thryothorus ludovicianus	1948	Loud singer despite small size; prefers dense underbrush
South Dakota	Ring-necked Pheasant	Phasianus colchicus	1943	Non-native game bird; introduced from Asia; popular among hunters
Tennessee	Northern Mockingbird	Mimus polyglottos	1933	State also celebrates music; bird’s song mirrors musical heritage
Texas	Northern Mockingbird	Mimus polyglottos	1927	Adopted earlier than most states; protected by law
Utah	American Robin	Turdus migratorius	1951	Chosen over California gull, which commemorates Mormon cricket miracle
Vermont	Hermit Thrush	Catharus guttatus	1941	Ethereal flute-like song; breeds in northern forests
Virginia	Northern Cardinal	Cardinalis cardinalis	1950	Widely distributed; one of most photographed birds in U.S.
Washington	Willow Goldfinch (American Goldfinch)	Spinus tristis	1951	Bright yellow summer male; undulating flight pattern
West Virginia	Cardinal	Cardinalis cardinalis	1949	Same as Virginia; reflects shared Appalachian habitat
Wisconsin	American Robin	Turdus migratorius	1949	Sign of spring; common in urban and rural landscapes
Wyoming	Western Meadowlark	Sturnella neglecta	1927	Represents open plains and cowboy culture

Biological and Ecological Characteristics

Understanding what the state bird represents biologically adds depth beyond symbolism. Most state birds are native species well-adapted to their regional ecosystems. For instance, the Nene of Hawaii is a prime example of island endemism and evolutionary adaptation. Once reduced to fewer than 30 individuals, it has recovered due to captive breeding and habitat protection.

The willow ptarmigan of Alaska undergoes seasonal camouflage, molting from mottled brown in summer to pure white in winter—an adaptation critical for survival in Arctic conditions. Similarly, the greater roadrunner of New Mexico thrives in arid climates, using behavioral thermoregulation and opportunistic feeding (including snakes) to survive.

Many state birds are passerines (perching birds), reflecting their visibility and familiarity to humans. Songbirds like the mockingbird, cardinal, and wren are celebrated not just for appearance but for vocal complexity. The brown thrasher, Georgia’s state bird, can produce over 1,100 different song types—more than any other North American bird.

Cultural and Symbolic Meanings

State birds often carry layers of cultural meaning. The bald eagle, while not a state bird (it's the national bird), influences perceptions of avian symbolism—strength, freedom, and sovereignty. In contrast, state birds tend to emphasize community values: resilience (chickadee), beauty (cardinal), or regional identity (roadrunner).

In literature and folklore, several state birds appear frequently. The mockingbird, immortalized in Harper Lee’s *To Kill a Mockingbird*, symbolizes innocence and moral integrity. The robin, long associated with springtime renewal, appears in poetry and children’s stories as a harbinger of hope.

Indigenous cultures have rich traditions surrounding birds. The Hopi people of Arizona revere the cactus wren as a messenger, while various Plains tribes view the meadowlark’s song as a blessing. Recognizing these deeper meanings enhances our appreciation of why certain birds become official emblems.

How to Observe State Birds: Tips for Birdwatchers

For amateur and experienced birders alike, spotting a state bird can be a rewarding goal. Here are practical tips:

• Know the Habitat: Research where your state bird lives—woodlands, wetlands, deserts, or urban parks.
• Listen for Calls: Use apps like Merlin Bird ID or eBird to learn songs and calls.
• Visit Protected Areas: National wildlife refuges, state parks, and Audubon sanctuaries often support healthy populations.
• Use Proper Equipment: Binoculars (8x42 recommended), field guides, and notebooks improve observation accuracy.
• Join Local Chapters: Organizations like the National Audubon Society offer guided walks and checklists.

Timing matters: many state birds are more active during dawn and dusk. Breeding season (spring/summer) increases vocalization and visibility. Winter brings others, like cardinals, into sharper contrast against snow.

Common Misconceptions About State Birds

Several myths persist about state birds:

1. All states have unique birds: False. The northern cardinal is shared by seven states, and the western meadowlark by six.
2. They must be native: Not always. South Dakota’s ring-necked pheasant is non-native, introduced for hunting.
3. They’re chosen by vote: Rarely. Most decisions are made legislatively, sometimes without public input.
4. They’re protected by law: Generally no. Being a state symbol doesn’t confer legal protection unless specified.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common state bird?

The northern cardinal is the most widely adopted, serving as the official bird of seven states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Does every state have an official bird?

Almost. As of 2024, New Jersey has not formally designated a state bird, despite proposals over the years.

Can state birds change?

Rarely, but possible. Changes would require new legislation. Some states have considered updates to reflect endangered species or inclusivity.

Is the bald eagle a state bird?

No. The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States but is not the official bird of any individual state.

How do I find out my state’s bird?

You can consult official state government websites, educational resources like the National Audubon Society, or field guides such as The Sibley Guide to Birds.