Northern cardinal The popularity and widespread range of the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) have prompted seven U.S. states to adopt it as their official state bird. (more) list of U.S. state birds Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/list-of-U-S-state-birds Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/list-of-U-S-state-birds Written by John P. Rafferty John P. Rafferty writes about Earth processes and the environment. He serves currently as the editor of Earth and life sciences, covering climatology, geology, zoology, and other topics that relate to... John P. Rafferty, Melissa Petruzzello Melissa Petruzzello is Assistant Managing Editor and covers a range of content from plants, algae, and fungi, to renewable energy and environmental engineering. She has her M.S. in Plant Biology and Conservation... Melissa Petruzzello•All Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Sep 25, 2024 • Article History Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot a Question Ask the Chatbot a Question Most birds are known for their colorful feathers, their unique vocalizations, 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, ...(100 of 973 words)

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