Each U.S. state has a designated bird that represents its natural beauty, culture, or history. These birds are chosen based on their significance to the state’s environment and are often deeply tied to the identity of the region. Below is a complete list of state birds in alphabetical order by state.
List of State Birds
- 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
- Florida – Northern Mockingbird
- Georgia – Brown Thrasher
- Hawaii – Hawaiian Goose (Nene)
- Idaho – Mountain Bluebird
- Illinois – Northern Cardinal
- Indiana – Northern Cardinal
- Iowa – Eastern Goldfinch (American Goldfinch)
- 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
- 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
- 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
Interesting Facts About State Birds
- The Northern Cardinal is the most commonly chosen state bird, representing seven states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.
- The Western Meadowlark is the second most popular, representing six states: Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, and Wyoming.
- The Hawaiian Goose (Nene) is the rarest state bird, found only in Hawaii and once nearing extinction before conservation efforts helped its population recover.
- The Ring-necked Pheasant (South Dakota) and Rhode Island Red Chicken (Rhode Island) are the only state birds that are not native to the U.S.
List Of State Birds In Alphabetical Order
FAQs
What is the most common state bird?
The Northern Cardinal is the most common state bird, chosen by seven states.
Which state bird is unique to its state?
The Hawaiian Goose (Nene) is found only in Hawaii.
Why do multiple states have the same state bird?
Some birds are widespread and iconic, making them popular choices across several states.
Which states chose birds not found in the wild?
South Dakota (Ring-necked Pheasant) and Rhode Island (Rhode Island Red) selected domesticated or introduced species.
Does every state have an official bird?
Yes, all 50 U.S. states have a designated state bird.
State birds are a reflection of each state’s environment and cultural identity. Whether widely shared or unique to a specific region, these birds symbolize the natural beauty and wildlife diversity of the United States.
