What a great breakdown! This was fascinating and educational. I like the alternatives you present, Nathaniel. And what is with New York State taking their sweet time and then choosing the Eastern Blurbird decades after the same bird was already chosen by another state? Definitely low-effort from the decision-makers on that selection.
As a northern neighbour to my good friends in New York state, I suggest the Pileated Woodpecker as a state bird. Bold in colour and manner, a bird of most striking appearance. A lot like New York City and the state itself.
Thanks, Neil! That's such a great pick for New York! I considered Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Phoebe, and others as well before Black Skimmer (and my failed attempt to see them last year in NY) came to me in a flash.
Also, I thought about including the provinces as well, but I was worn out, they looked solid at a glance, and Canada doesn't need an American messing in its business :)
Love the cardinal photo! I feel like female cardinals get ignored, so yay. Yes! And Book Woman has few birds (if any) but you can't beat its mule, Junia!
Rapidly suburbanizing rural hinterlands of Pugetopolis here.
Goldfinches are charmers and adorable...but the better choice for Washington would have been the pine siskin, which is the Forest Goldfinch.
They are suffering some downturn thanks to cowbird nest theft. They are year round residents of much of the entire state except for the flood basalt area, breeding everywhere but the highest mountain altitudes. They prefer coniferous forests to mixed forests. Making them the signature rainforest birb. They travel in large squeaky tumbling flocks and are utterly...well, adorable, like goldfinches. They also will forage in the garden for aphids, which makes them primo birbs in my book. (The goldfinches eat thistle seed from the garden, so they also get + points.)
As for Wisconsin, I will fight you with stone knives and cheese planes for the sandhill cranes. They are the lords, masters, elves, and charmasauruses of the glaciated wetlands. A sandhill crane chick is, in my book, second only to puffins.
All of which--need I remind you--ARE MINE.
In closing, you are sadly mal-informed about the Delaware blue hen. They are indeed the bird of DE because of their connection to the Revolutionary War. Those of us of that ancestry in Delaware--and even before (1638 here)--squitzplopp on you from a considerable height for minimizing our roots!
Oh man, Pine Siskin is a phenomenal choice for Washington. Not gonna lie--you have me thinking twice.
Totally understand the Sandhill Crane love and outrage. I'm definitely willing to be flexible when it comes to Wisconsin and Nebraska. They were my last two decisions precisely because of Sandhill Crane.
I'll accept your rather gross punishment for any slight I might have delivered, however unintentional, to you and your fellow ancestral Delawareans. In fairness--I did keep the Blue Hen!
> I'm definitely willing to be flexible when it comes to Wisconsin and Nebraska. They were my last two decisions precisely because of Sandhill Crane.
NEBRASKA?
Every Wisconsin kid worth his or her commercial pizza shop tabletop shaker parmesan cheese has detasseled corn as a summer job! BRING IT ON. We know how to handle corn, and its huskers!
Now where's my complimentary crane chick?
Oh--here, right where I left it. Sorry, everyone.
Nebraska can have the Roseate Spoonbill on days I'm feeling generous.
Which aren't many during taxman season**, so chop-chop, you plains dwellers!
**Not to be confused with other seasons, such as elk season, boar season, etc. Alas.
Gotta 'shop in the badgers there, but trust me, it works. Play your cards right, you can get the green herons to fortify the bass line: GLONK GLONK GLONK.
This is such a cool way to learn about birds from all over the country! I did not realize this would evoke such strong opinions, but I have many thoughts, lol.
First of all, I’m so glad you introduced us to the Mao. Such a cool-looking bird! At first glance, they seem solid black, but then you notice the subtle patterning. Plus, with Samoa right in their scientific name, it couldn’t be a better choice.
But I gotta say, Florida feels like the biggest failure here. How could they not choose the endemic bird with their state in the name?? Then again, not surprising coming from Florida.
I thought you might suggest the Louisiana Waterthrush for Louisiana, but once I saw their bird was the Eastern Brown Pelican, I couldn’t think of a better choice.
Also, way more Western Meadowlarks than I expected! I didn’t realize so many average folks had heard of that bird. I certainly hadn’t until I got into birding, but maybe I was just especially ignorant, lol.
Anyway, I think the real takeaway here is that children need mandatory bird education!!
YES on that last point. There's a crisis in this country and the fix has to start in elementary schoolrooms. We can't lose another generation to bird ignorance. Long division can wait.
The thing about all the birds named after states is that they're SO warbler heavy. They also just don't make sense. Are Tennessee Warblers particularly abundant in Tennessee? No. Connecticut Warbler? At least name them after a state where you have a good chance of seeing one.
It's amazing how much space just three birds take up on the state bird map. So many travesties it makes the head spin.
They are fun to watch. I see them in town once in a while, but once you get on the back roads, they’re easy to spot. Aside: my kiddo and I have been using the Merlin app every day after school to see which birds are in our backyard. He’s super into it. Hoping to raise a little birder!
This makes me unspeakably happy. I’ve tried to raise birders and failed miserably so far. The Merlin idea is a good one. Maybe I can spark some interest that way.
I completely agree about the Robin as Michigan's bird. They don't stay all winter! Our state bird should be a four season resident. I personally have nominated the chickadee as my unofficial state bird, but I will have to go see about finding a warbler this year :) Cheers and thanks for this great article!
Thanks for reading!! The Kirtland's Warbler doesn't stick around all year, but it breeds almost exclusively in Michigan's jack pine forests. It's a really unique bird that was rescued from extinction through concerted rehabilitation of its habitat. If you've never gone up there, you can get a free guided tour and you're all but guaranteed to see them. I saw them in Grayling. Such a worthwhile experience!
Also, sorry if I'm telling you things you already know 😬
As a Utahn, I am fine with the story of California Gull, but my vote would be Eared Grebe, Wilson’s Phalarope, or any species that uses the Great Salt Lake, which is in danger of becoming a toxic dustbowl.
Carl, thanks for reading! You are so right, and Wilson's Phalarope would be my choice 1) because of what I've read about them and the imperiled Great Salt Lake, and 2) because of a special morning I got to spend with a female in Michigan a few years ago. Gorgeous bird.
As I tinker with this post going forward, Utah is definitely a state I'll reconsider.
Don’t think we didn’t notice you sneaking that Canvasback in there. Authors prerogative? Also sorry to say I’m not a fan of Broad-winged Hawk for NJ. I’d occasionally see them in north Jersey at a Hawk Watch but not many other places. How about Blue Jay? Common Grackle? Red Knot? Great Blue Heron?
I absolutely adore this post, Nate. No quibbles at all, the states got the grades they deserved! I also love that you assigned Illinois the Grasshopper Sparrow—what an honor. If only our state legislature would take your advice!
Can you tell which entries I wrote late at night when I was tired and had a drink? Yes, I have been, and the good people DC unfairly took some shrapnel. My apologies to them. My rage was directed solely toward the DC establishment. I saw a Western Grebe in DC once—one of my favorite birding memories.
I’m particularly fond of watching the interaction between the pigeons and sparrows in the parks. The sparrows are the toughies when bread is tossed. Pigeons are more patient.
As the self-appointed spokesperson for New Brunswick, I regret to advise we cannot trade the Black-capped Chickadee for the Boreal. The Boreal is rare here and I refuse to have our provincial bird be one I have never seen. Meanwhile, I can poke my head out the window at any time and see half a dozen Black-capped milling around my backyard.
But man, Maine really did half-ass it with not even specifying what kind of chickadee. Put some effort in, people!
One of my states (PA) got it perfectly, and my other state (VA) totally blew it. I'm sort of surprised that VA wasn't another mockingbird-picker, given Thomas Jefferson's love for the bird, and central VA's love for TJ.
What a great breakdown! This was fascinating and educational. I like the alternatives you present, Nathaniel. And what is with New York State taking their sweet time and then choosing the Eastern Blurbird decades after the same bird was already chosen by another state? Definitely low-effort from the decision-makers on that selection.
As a northern neighbour to my good friends in New York state, I suggest the Pileated Woodpecker as a state bird. Bold in colour and manner, a bird of most striking appearance. A lot like New York City and the state itself.
Thanks, Neil! That's such a great pick for New York! I considered Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Phoebe, and others as well before Black Skimmer (and my failed attempt to see them last year in NY) came to me in a flash.
Also, I thought about including the provinces as well, but I was worn out, they looked solid at a glance, and Canada doesn't need an American messing in its business :)
Love the cardinal photo! I feel like female cardinals get ignored, so yay. Yes! And Book Woman has few birds (if any) but you can't beat its mule, Junia!
Book Woman does have birds! I should have mentioned that. Maybe a quick edit is in order.
Rapidly suburbanizing rural hinterlands of Pugetopolis here.
Goldfinches are charmers and adorable...but the better choice for Washington would have been the pine siskin, which is the Forest Goldfinch.
They are suffering some downturn thanks to cowbird nest theft. They are year round residents of much of the entire state except for the flood basalt area, breeding everywhere but the highest mountain altitudes. They prefer coniferous forests to mixed forests. Making them the signature rainforest birb. They travel in large squeaky tumbling flocks and are utterly...well, adorable, like goldfinches. They also will forage in the garden for aphids, which makes them primo birbs in my book. (The goldfinches eat thistle seed from the garden, so they also get + points.)
As for Wisconsin, I will fight you with stone knives and cheese planes for the sandhill cranes. They are the lords, masters, elves, and charmasauruses of the glaciated wetlands. A sandhill crane chick is, in my book, second only to puffins.
All of which--need I remind you--ARE MINE.
In closing, you are sadly mal-informed about the Delaware blue hen. They are indeed the bird of DE because of their connection to the Revolutionary War. Those of us of that ancestry in Delaware--and even before (1638 here)--squitzplopp on you from a considerable height for minimizing our roots!
http://www1.udel.edu/research/kids/challenge/bluehenimages/bluehenfactsheet.pdf
Oh man, Pine Siskin is a phenomenal choice for Washington. Not gonna lie--you have me thinking twice.
Totally understand the Sandhill Crane love and outrage. I'm definitely willing to be flexible when it comes to Wisconsin and Nebraska. They were my last two decisions precisely because of Sandhill Crane.
I'll accept your rather gross punishment for any slight I might have delivered, however unintentional, to you and your fellow ancestral Delawareans. In fairness--I did keep the Blue Hen!
Thank you for reading :)
The International Crane Foundation is in Wisconsin. That alone should earn my home state the Sandhill Crane!!
That's a very compelling reason and I can see the needle beginning to move... Nebraska better chime in with some good arguments.
> I'm definitely willing to be flexible when it comes to Wisconsin and Nebraska. They were my last two decisions precisely because of Sandhill Crane.
NEBRASKA?
Every Wisconsin kid worth his or her commercial pizza shop tabletop shaker parmesan cheese has detasseled corn as a summer job! BRING IT ON. We know how to handle corn, and its huskers!
Now where's my complimentary crane chick?
Oh--here, right where I left it. Sorry, everyone.
Nebraska can have the Roseate Spoonbill on days I'm feeling generous.
Which aren't many during taxman season**, so chop-chop, you plains dwellers!
**Not to be confused with other seasons, such as elk season, boar season, etc. Alas.
Hooo-boy, I'm hoping some Nebraskans chime in. I have my popcorn popped and am ready for the fireworks.
!? POPCORN ?!
I think you mean Extra Squeaky Cheese Curds washed down with a nice 30% ABV homebrew (freeze distilled in the yard at 30 below, of course).
Don't forget the soundtrack: the Badgerbrau Brass Band playing their covers of Rammstein (mit fireworks).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV6x2Ctk6CI
Gotta 'shop in the badgers there, but trust me, it works. Play your cards right, you can get the green herons to fortify the bass line: GLONK GLONK GLONK.
This is such a cool way to learn about birds from all over the country! I did not realize this would evoke such strong opinions, but I have many thoughts, lol.
First of all, I’m so glad you introduced us to the Mao. Such a cool-looking bird! At first glance, they seem solid black, but then you notice the subtle patterning. Plus, with Samoa right in their scientific name, it couldn’t be a better choice.
But I gotta say, Florida feels like the biggest failure here. How could they not choose the endemic bird with their state in the name?? Then again, not surprising coming from Florida.
I thought you might suggest the Louisiana Waterthrush for Louisiana, but once I saw their bird was the Eastern Brown Pelican, I couldn’t think of a better choice.
Also, way more Western Meadowlarks than I expected! I didn’t realize so many average folks had heard of that bird. I certainly hadn’t until I got into birding, but maybe I was just especially ignorant, lol.
Anyway, I think the real takeaway here is that children need mandatory bird education!!
YES on that last point. There's a crisis in this country and the fix has to start in elementary schoolrooms. We can't lose another generation to bird ignorance. Long division can wait.
The thing about all the birds named after states is that they're SO warbler heavy. They also just don't make sense. Are Tennessee Warblers particularly abundant in Tennessee? No. Connecticut Warbler? At least name them after a state where you have a good chance of seeing one.
It's amazing how much space just three birds take up on the state bird map. So many travesties it makes the head spin.
Fantastic challenge met with loads of laughter, but California Condor? No thank you! California Quail for me. I agree on the rest.
Thank you so much for reading and sharing this! The Condors have been alerted to your objection.
Finally, my state gets something right. We might be on the bottom rung of education, health care, and poverty, but at least we have an excellent bird.
Haley!!! Thanks for reading and subscribing. Yep, you sure got that one right. I’ve never seen one, which bothers me tremendously.
They are fun to watch. I see them in town once in a while, but once you get on the back roads, they’re easy to spot. Aside: my kiddo and I have been using the Merlin app every day after school to see which birds are in our backyard. He’s super into it. Hoping to raise a little birder!
This makes me unspeakably happy. I’ve tried to raise birders and failed miserably so far. The Merlin idea is a good one. Maybe I can spark some interest that way.
I completely agree about the Robin as Michigan's bird. They don't stay all winter! Our state bird should be a four season resident. I personally have nominated the chickadee as my unofficial state bird, but I will have to go see about finding a warbler this year :) Cheers and thanks for this great article!
Thanks for reading!! The Kirtland's Warbler doesn't stick around all year, but it breeds almost exclusively in Michigan's jack pine forests. It's a really unique bird that was rescued from extinction through concerted rehabilitation of its habitat. If you've never gone up there, you can get a free guided tour and you're all but guaranteed to see them. I saw them in Grayling. Such a worthwhile experience!
Also, sorry if I'm telling you things you already know 😬
I love this list! Bravo 🙌
I love all feedback, but I especially love positive feedback on this post because it almost killed me. THANK YOU!!!
There is so much great content, though. It would be a fabulous Zine!
As a Utahn, I am fine with the story of California Gull, but my vote would be Eared Grebe, Wilson’s Phalarope, or any species that uses the Great Salt Lake, which is in danger of becoming a toxic dustbowl.
Carl, thanks for reading! You are so right, and Wilson's Phalarope would be my choice 1) because of what I've read about them and the imperiled Great Salt Lake, and 2) because of a special morning I got to spend with a female in Michigan a few years ago. Gorgeous bird.
As I tinker with this post going forward, Utah is definitely a state I'll reconsider.
Oh, yeah - California Condor.
Yesss 🙌
Don’t think we didn’t notice you sneaking that Canvasback in there. Authors prerogative? Also sorry to say I’m not a fan of Broad-winged Hawk for NJ. I’d occasionally see them in north Jersey at a Hawk Watch but not many other places. How about Blue Jay? Common Grackle? Red Knot? Great Blue Heron?
I HAD to include Canvasback 😂😂
I got really stuck on NJ and all I could think of was Hawk watch! I’ll give that one some more thought. Somehow Blue Jay pops out as appropriate 🤔
I absolutely adore this post, Nate. No quibbles at all, the states got the grades they deserved! I also love that you assigned Illinois the Grasshopper Sparrow—what an honor. If only our state legislature would take your advice!
Glad you liked it! Thanks for making Illinois easy. It was nice to not have to agonize over one of them 😅
Regarding DC, have you been to any of the neighborhoods, or Rock Creek Park? Also, people do live in DC, some of whom aren’t politicians.
Can you tell which entries I wrote late at night when I was tired and had a drink? Yes, I have been, and the good people DC unfairly took some shrapnel. My apologies to them. My rage was directed solely toward the DC establishment. I saw a Western Grebe in DC once—one of my favorite birding memories.
I’m particularly fond of watching the interaction between the pigeons and sparrows in the parks. The sparrows are the toughies when bread is tossed. Pigeons are more patient.
My appreciation for these birds has skyrocketed in the last few years, pigeons especially. So beautiful with that iridescence.
Maybe I’ll do a whole post on pigeons and doves someday. Great birds. Good companions, too.
As the self-appointed spokesperson for New Brunswick, I regret to advise we cannot trade the Black-capped Chickadee for the Boreal. The Boreal is rare here and I refuse to have our provincial bird be one I have never seen. Meanwhile, I can poke my head out the window at any time and see half a dozen Black-capped milling around my backyard.
But man, Maine really did half-ass it with not even specifying what kind of chickadee. Put some effort in, people!
Fair!
I don’t know how old I was when I learned there were multiple species of chickadee. I assume that was situation going on there in Augusta.
Red-winged blackbird or red tail hawk would be good choice for Wisconsin.
Let Florida have its mockingbird. They were everywhere, on every chain link fence, when I was growing up. Them and turkey vultures.
One of my states (PA) got it perfectly, and my other state (VA) totally blew it. I'm sort of surprised that VA wasn't another mockingbird-picker, given Thomas Jefferson's love for the bird, and central VA's love for TJ.
VA dodged that bullet... only to catch another one.
All of the states I've lived in have blown it, except PA and CO. Good job, PA and CO!