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Northern cardinalThe popularity and widespread range of the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) have prompted seven U.S. states to adopt it as their official state bird.
Most birds are known for their colorful feathers, their uniquevocalizations, and the roles they play in various ecosystems. Some bird species have been adopted by various states and territories within the United States to serve as symbols that represent a state’s unique heritage or as icons that help residents and visitors alike to appreciate the state’s distinctive wildlife.
Kentucky was the first state to name its state bird, the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), in 1926. A year later Alabama, Florida, Maine, Missouri, Oregon, Texas, and Wyoming designated their own. The most recently added state bird is the Guam rail, or ko’ko’ (Gallirallus owstoni), which was named by the U.S. territory of Guam in 2000. Incidentally, the northern cardinal is the most common state bird, with seven states having selected the beautiful and abundant species. The following is a list of the official bird of each U.S. state and territory.
Coues' cactus wrenKnown for its birdsong, Coues' cactus wren (Heleodytes brunneicapillus couesi)—later renamed the cactus wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus)—is the state bird of Arizona.
Northern mockingbirdA versatile songbird and mimic, the northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is the state bird of Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.
Northern mockingbirdA versatile songbird and mimic, the northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is the state bird of Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.
NēnēThe Hawaiian goose, or nēnē (Branta sandvicensis), is the state bird of Hawaii. A conservation success story, the species was formerly endangered but is now in recovery.
Northern cardinal (male)Known for its cheery whistles and for the vibrant red plumage of the males, the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is the state bird of seven U.S. states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Northern cardinal (male)Known for its cheery whistles and for the vibrant red plumage of the males, the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is the state bird of seven U.S. states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Western meadowlarkWith its intricate fluting song, the western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) is the state bird of Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, and Wyoming.
Northern cardinal (male)Known for its cheery whistles and for the vibrant red plumage of the males, the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is the state bird of seven U.S. states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Brown pelicanLouisiana's state bird is the brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis). The species was formerly endangered due to the effects of the pesticide DDT, but it has since recovered.
Northern mockingbirdA versatile songbird and mimic, the northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is the state bird of Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.
Western meadowlarkWith its intricate fluting song, the western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) is the state bird of Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, and Wyoming.
Western meadowlarkWith its intricate fluting song, the western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) is the state bird of Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, and Wyoming.
Northern cardinal (male)Known for its cheery whistles and for the vibrant red plumage of the males, the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is the state bird seven U.S. states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Western meadowlarkWith its intricate fluting song, the western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) is the state bird of Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, and Wyoming.
Northern cardinal (male)Known for its cheery whistles and for the vibrant red plumage of the males, the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is the state bird of seven U.S. states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Western meadowlarkWith its intricate fluting song, the western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) is the state bird of Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, and Wyoming.
Northern mockingbirdA versatile songbird and mimic, the northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is the state bird of Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.
Northern mockingbirdA versatile songbird and mimic, the northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is the state bird of Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.
Sea gullThe state bird of Utah is the California gull (Larus californicus). In 1848 gulls helped save settlers from an onslaught of Rocky Mountain crickets that were consuming their crops.
Northern cardinal (male)Known for its cheery whistles and for the vibrant red plumage of the males, the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is the state bird of seven U.S. states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Northern cardinal (male)Known for its cheery whistles and for the vibrant red plumage of the males, the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is the state bird of seven U.S. states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Western meadowlarkWith its intricate fluting song, the western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) is the state bird of Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, and Wyoming.
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