The Most Popular State Bird, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the state bird you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 8, 2024 06:51
State birds often hold a special place in the hearts of residents, embodying local pride and natural beauty. Ranking these birds by popularity can provide interesting insights into regional preferences and cultural significance. It assists in understanding which birds resonate most with people, and can shine a light on lesser-known species that might deserve more attention.
Through your participation in voting for your preferred state birds, you help create a dynamic list that reflects current opinions and trends. This active engagement is crucial, as it captures the collective admiration for these avian symbols. Whether you are a seasoned bird watcher or just someone who appreciates nature, your votes contribute to a broader appreciation of our feathered friends associated with each state.
What Is the Most Popular State Bird?
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147votes
Rhododendrites · CC BY-SA 4.0This bird is the state bird of seven states, including Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. The male cardinal is known for its bright red plumage and distinctive crest, making it a popular choice for state birds.The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a medium-sized songbird native to North America. It is easily identifiable by its vibrant red plumage, crested head, and black mask around its eyes. The female cardinal has a more muted brown coloration with reddish accents. Both males and females have a distinctive loud, clear whistle-like song.- Average Length: 8.3 - 9.3 inches (21 - 23.5 cm)
- Average Wingspan: 9.8 - 12.2 inches (25 - 31 cm)
- Average Weight: 1.5 - 1.8 ounces (42 - 51 grams)
- Lifespan: Around 15 years
- Habitat: Woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and wetlands
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219votes
Mdf · CC BY-SA 3.0This bird is the state bird of Connecticut, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The American Robin is a familiar sight to many people in North America, and its cheerful song is often associated with the arrival of spring.The American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is a migratory songbird native to North America. It is known for its distinctive orange-red breast, grayish-brown upper parts, and white underparts. The adult male and female have similar appearances, with the male having a slightly brighter and deeper red breast. This bird measures around 25 cm (10 inches) in length. It has a melodious, loud song that is often heard during the early morning hours.- Scientific Name: Turdus migratorius
- Average Length: 25 cm (10 inches)
- Habitat: Woodlands, gardens, parks, and suburban areas
- Range: North America
- Diet: Mainly insects, earthworms, and berries
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314votesThis bird is the state bird of Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, and Wyoming. The Western Meadowlark is a distinctive bird with a bright yellow breast and a melodious song.The Western Meadowlark is a medium-sized songbird that belongs to the blackbird family. It is identified by its bright yellow underparts with a black V-shaped bib on its chest. The upperparts are brown with black streaks and its wings have bold white stripes, visible in flight. Western Meadowlarks have a melodious, flute-like song that is often heard in grasslands and agricultural fields.
- Scientific Name: Sturnella neglecta
- Average Length: 8.5 - 11 inches
- Average Weight: 3.5 - 5.0 ounces
- Range: Western and central parts of North America
- Habitat: Grasslands, prairies, meadows, and agricultural fields
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420votesThis bird is the state bird of California. The California Quail is a popular game bird and is known for its distinctive plume on top of its head.The California Quail (Callipepla californica) is a small ground-dwelling bird species native to western North America. It is known for its distinctive appearance and elaborate black, brown, and gray plumage. The male has a forward-facing black plume on top of its head and a black face with a white stripe running from the beak to the forehead. The female has a smaller, more subdued head plume and a dappled brown and white body.
- Scientific name: Callipepla californica
- Size: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) in length
- Weight: 6-7 ounces (170-200 grams)
- Wingspan: 13-17 inches (33-43 cm)
- Lifespan: 1-5 years in the wild, up to 6 years in captivity
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58votesThis bird is the state bird of Missouri and New York. The Eastern Bluebird is a small, colorful bird with a distinctive blue back and rusty breast.The Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) is a small thrush native to eastern and central North America. It is known for its vibrant blue plumage, reddish-brown breast, and white belly. The male bluebird has a blue back and wings, while the female is slightly duller in color. Both sexes have a prominent white eyering. They are popular among bird enthusiasts for their gentle nature and melodious song.
- Scientific Name: Sialia sialis
- Size: Approximately 5.5 to 7 inches in length
- Weight: About 0.95 to 1.1 ounces
- Habitat: Open woodlands, orchards, and fields
- Range: Eastern and central North America
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618votesThis bird is the state bird of Idaho and Nevada. The Mountain Bluebird is a beautiful bird with a bright blue back and white belly.The Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) is a small thrush-like bird native to North America. It is known for its vibrant blue plumage, which contrasts beautifully with its white underparts and rusty-brown breast. The male Bluebird has brighter blue feathers than the female, with a hint of green on its wings and tail. These birds are known for their melodious songs and graceful flight patterns.
- Scientific Name: Sialia currucoides
- Size: 16-20 cm (6.3-7.9 in) in length
- Weight: 27-34 g (0.95-1.2 oz)
- Wingspan: 28-32 cm (11-12.6 in)
- Habitat: Open meadows, grasslands, mountains
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79votes
Rhododendrites · CC BY-SA 4.0This bird is the state bird of Florida. The Great Blue Heron is a large wading bird that is often seen near bodies of water.The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) is a large wading bird found across North and Central America. It is known for its tall stature, long neck, and striking blue-gray plumage. Standing up to 4 feet tall with a wingspan of approximately 6 feet, this majestic bird can be commonly spotted near bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and marshes.- Scientific Name: Ardea herodias
- Average Height: 4 feet
- Wingspan: 6 feet
- Plumage Color: Blue-gray
- Habitat: Near bodies of water
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89votes
Mdf · CC BY-SA 3.0This bird is the state bird of Maryland. The Baltimore Oriole is a bright orange and black bird that is known for its beautiful song.The Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) is a small to medium-sized migratory songbird belonging to the family Icteridae. Male Baltimore Orioles are easily recognizable, with vibrant orange plumage and black wings, while females are predominantly yellow with grayish-brown wings. They have a distinct and melodious flute-like song that is often heard during their breeding season.- Scientific Name: Icterus galbula
- Average Size: 7-8 inches in length
- Average Weight: 1.0-1.5 ounces
- Wingspan: 9-12 inches
- Habitat: Deciduous forests, woodlands, and urban areas
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93votesThis bird is the state bird of Alabama, Oklahoma, and South Carolina. The Wild Turkey is a large game bird that is native to North America.The Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is a large bird native to North America. It is known for its distinctive plumage and impressive size. The male turkey, also called a tom, features dark feathers with iridescent hues of bronze, green, and copper, while the female, known as a hen, has lighter brown feathers. The tom also has a prominent fan-shaped tail, a bare head with a red wattle and caruncles, and a beak that can be up to 5 inches long. The turkey is a social bird that roosts in trees and forages on the ground for a variety of food, including seeds, berries, insects, and small reptiles.
- Scientific Name: Meleagris gallopavo
- Average Length (male): 3.6-3.9 feet
- Average Length (female): 2.4-2.8 feet
- Weight (male): 16-24 pounds
- Weight (female): 8-12 pounds
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102votesThis bird is the state bird of South Dakota. The Ring-necked Pheasant is a popular game bird that was introduced to North America from Asia.The Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is a colorful bird native to East Asia. It was introduced to many parts of the world, including North America, where it has become popular as a game bird.
- Scientific Name: Phasianus colchicus
- Family: Phasianidae
- Average Length: 70-90 cm
- Average Wingspan: 75-90 cm
- Weight: 1-2 kg
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Ranking factors for popular state bird
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Visual appealHow visually striking or attractive is the bird, both in appearance and behavior?
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Cultural significanceDoes the bird hold cultural or historical significance to the state or its residents?
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RepresentationHow well does the bird represent the state's natural environment or ecosystems?
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RarityIs the bird rare or unique to the state, making it more valuable or interesting to residents and visitors?
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PopularityIs the bird well-known and beloved by residents and visitors alike, reflected in its use in state symbols and marketing materials?
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular state bird. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or state bird is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1885 views
- 149 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each state bird once every 24 hours. The rank of each state bird is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular state bird
The United States of America is a country that prides itself on its diverse and unique wildlife. Each state in the nation has its own state bird that symbolizes the state's natural beauty and cultural heritage. State birds are usually chosen based on their popularity, beauty, and ability to represent the state's unique characteristics.
The most popular state bird in the United States is the Northern Cardinal, which serves as the official bird of seven states including Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. The cardinal is known for its bright red plumage and distinctive song, which is often heard in wooded areas and urban parks.
Other popular state birds include the American Robin, which is the official bird of Connecticut, Michigan, and Wisconsin, and the Western Meadowlark, which represents Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, and Wyoming. Each state bird has its own unique characteristics that make it a beloved symbol of its respective state.
Overall, state birds serve as an important reminder of the natural beauty and diversity that can be found throughout the United States. Whether you are a birdwatcher or simply appreciate the unique characteristics of each state, exploring the different state birds can be a fascinating and enjoyable experience.
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