State birds are chosen as symbols to represent the natural heritage and culture of each U.S. state. They are often selected based on their uniqueness, popularity, or significance to the region. Here are a few reasons why states have official birds:
1. State Pride & Identity
Each state wants to showcase its natural beauty and wildlife, and a bird is a great way to do that. Many state birds are common in their respective states and have special meaning to the people who live there.
2. Conservation & Awareness
By designating a state bird, states can highlight the importance of protecting wildlife and natural habitats. It encourages appreciation for local ecosystems.
3. Tradition & Recognition
The idea started in the 1920s when states began selecting birds with the help of schoolchildren and bird lovers. It became a fun way to engage people in nature and state history.
4. Uniqueness (Sometimes!)
Some states have birds that are only found or especially abundant in their region (e.g., the California Quail for California). However, some birds, like the Northern Cardinal, have been chosen by multiple states.
Here’s a list of all U.S. state birds:
A – D
• Alabama – Northern Flicker (Yellowhammer)
• Alaska – Willow Ptarmigan
• Arizona – Cactus Wren
• Arkansas – Northern Mockingbird
• California – California Quail
• Colorado – Lark Bunting
• Connecticut – American Robin
• Delaware – Delaware Blue Hen
F – I
• Florida – Northern Mockingbird
• Georgia – Brown Thrasher
• Hawaii – Nēnē (Hawaiian Goose)
• Idaho – Mountain Bluebird
• Illinois – Northern Cardinal
• Indiana – Northern Cardinal
• Iowa – Eastern Goldfinch (American Goldfinch)
K – M
• Kansas – Western Meadowlark
• Kentucky – Northern Cardinal
• Louisiana – Brown Pelican
• Maine – Black-capped Chickadee
• Maryland – Baltimore Oriole
• Massachusetts – Black-capped Chickadee
• Michigan – American Robin
• Minnesota – Common Loon
• Mississippi – Northern Mockingbird
• Missouri – Eastern Bluebird
• Montana – Western Meadowlark
N – O
• Nebraska – Western Meadowlark
• Nevada – Mountain Bluebird
• New Hampshire – Purple Finch
• New Jersey – Eastern Goldfinch (American Goldfinch)
• New Mexico – Greater Roadrunner
• New York – Eastern Bluebird
• North Carolina – Northern Cardinal
• North Dakota – Western Meadowlark
• Ohio – Northern Cardinal
• Oklahoma – Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Oregon – Western Meadowlark
P – W
• Pennsylvania – Ruffed Grouse
• Rhode Island – Rhode Island Red (Chicken)
• South Carolina – Carolina Wren
• South Dakota – Ring-necked Pheasant
• Tennessee – Northern Mockingbird
• Texas – Northern Mockingbird
• Utah – California Gull
• Vermont – Hermit Thrush
• Virginia – Northern Cardinal
• Washington – Willow Goldfinch (American Goldfinch)
• West Virginia – Northern Cardinal
• Wisconsin – American Robin
• Wyoming – Western Meadowlark
A few birds are very popular—the Northern Cardinal is the state bird for 7 states! The Western Meadowlark is also a favorite, chosen by 6 states.
Do any of these state birds surprise you?
Do you agree with the state bird from your home state?
Submitted by Melanie Jerome