U.S.A. - Wyoming - State Bird

WYOMING STATE BIRD
A rural fence post makes an excellent perch to survey the grassy fields that are home to the Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta).

Sent by Camellia from Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA.

Wyoming designated the western meadowlark as offiicial state bird in 1927. The western meadowlark is a familiar songbird of open country across the western two-thirds of the continent.

In the same family as blackbirds and orioles, adults are 8-11 inches long and have a black and white striped head; a long, pointed bill; yellow cheeks; bright yellow throat; and a distinctive black "V" on breast. The western meadowlark is often seen perched on fence-posts in grasslands and agricultural areas singing its distinct 7-10 note melody (their flute-like song usually ends with 3 descending notes). (read further)

U.S.A. - Indiana - State Bird

Cardinal - Indiana State Bird.

Sent by Sandy from Indiana, USA.

Indiana designated the northern cardinal (Richmondena Cardinalis Cardinalis) as official state bird in 1933.

One of America's favorite backyard birds, cardinals are distinctive in appearance and song - known for their "cheer cheer cheer," "whit-chew whit-chew" and "purty purty purty" whistles.

Male cardinals are a brilliant scarlet red, females a buffy brown with reddish wings - both have a jet -black mask, pronounced crest, and heavy bill. The cardinal sings nearly year-round, and the male aggressively defends his 4-acre territory (male cardinals have been seen attacking small red objects mistaken as other males). (Source)

U.S.A. - North Dakota - State Flower & State Bird

NORTH DAKOTA
The Peace Garden State

State Flower : Wild Prairie Rose, selected March 7, 1907.
State Bird : Western Meadow Lark, selected March 10, 1947.

Sent by Amy from Bismarck, North Dakota, USA.

USA - Idaho - State Bird

MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD
The Mountain Bluebird, renowned for its fine singing, was chosen in 1931 as the Idaho State Bird. The bluebird has endeared itself as the bird of happiness in countless songs and stories.

Sent by Kori & Aleesa, WiP partner from USA.

The Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) is a medium-sized bird weighing about 30 g (1.1 ounces) with a length from 16–20 cm (6.3–7.9 in). They have light underbellies and black eyes. Adult males have thin bills that are bright turquoise-blue and somewhat lighter beneath. Adult females have duller blue wings and tail, grey breast, grey crown, throat and back. In fresh fall plumage, the female's throat and breast are tinged with red-orange; brownish near the flank contrasting with white tail underparts. Call is a thin few; Song is warbled high chur chur.

The mountain bluebird is migratory. Their range varies from Mexico in the winter to as far north as Alaska, throughout the western U.S. and Canada. Northern birds migrate to the southern parts of the range; southern birds are often permanent residents. Some birds may move to lower elevations in winter. They inhabit open rangelands, meadows, generally at elevations above 5,000 feet. Contrary to popular belief, mountain bluebirds are not a species of concern in the United States. The turn around in mountain bluebird numbers is due to the overwhelming efforts of landowners in the West to provide nest boxes for these birds. At one time, mountain bluebird numbers were threatened because of increased agricultural activities destroying habitats. (read further)

USA - Hawaii - State Bird

These Nene or Hawaiian geese are rare and not seen by many visitors to Hawaii. They prefer the Rugged mountain sloped and lava flows in Haleakala National Park on the island of Maui and similar terrain found in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawaii. The Nene Goose is Hawaii's State Bird.

Sent by Becky from Hawaii, USA.

The Nene (pronounced "nay-nay") is a land bird and a variety of Hawaiian Goose. It has adapted itself to life in the harsh lava country by transforming its webbed feet into a claw-like shape and modifying its wing structure for shorter flights. Hunting and wild animals all but destroyed the species until they were protected by law and a restoration project was established in 1949.

The Hawaiian state bird, the Nene, was a bird not known to Audubon in his time, and was therefore not included in the 1840 edition of Birds of America. (Source)

USA - Connecticut - State Bird

American Robin, state bird of Connecticut.

Sent by Emma, a postcrosser from Connecticut, USA.

"Connecticut designated the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) as state bird in 1943. The Robin is also the official state bird of Michigan and Wisconsin. Robins are a true thrush and one of America's favorite songbirds. Migratory robins are watched for each year as the heralder of spring, but many spend the entire winter in New England swamps, roosting in evergreens and feeding on winter berries.

Robins were named by early settlers after the familiar robin red- breast of Europe (a bird with similar markings that is not closely related to the American Robin). The most widespread thrush in North America (because of its adaptation to human- modified habitats), robins are a familiar backyard bird often observed pulling up earthworms on suburban lawns.

The American robin has many vocalizations - rich songs composed of long phrases and "whinny" and "tut" calls. The female is muted in color compared to the male."(Source)

USA - North Carolina - State Bird & State Flower

The Cardinal and Dogwood Blossom provide a colorful complementary contrast as the official bird and flower of this marvelous friendly state.

Sent by John from Tennessee, USA.

USA - Oregon - State Bird & State Flower

OREGON
State Symbols
The Western Meadowlark was chosen as Oregon's state bird by Oregon's school children, who were polled by the Oregon Audubon Society in 1927. The Oregon Grape was designated as Oregon's state flower by the Oregon Legislature in 1899.

Sent by Nancy, a postcrosser from Oregon, USA.

USA - Virginia/West Virginia - State Bird

Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
The state bird of 7 states, including West Virginia and Virginia.

Sent by JR from USA.

"West Virginia designated the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) as official state bird in 1949. One of America's favorite backyard birds, cardinals are distinctive in appearance and song - known for their "cheer cheer cheer," "whit-chew whit-chew" and "purty purty purty" whistles.

Male cardinals are a brilliant scarlet red, females a buffy brown with reddish wings - both have a jet -black mask, pronounced crest, and heavy bill. The cardinal sings nearly year-round, and the male aggressively defends his 4-acre territory (male cardinals have been seen attacking small red objects mistaken as other males).

Northern cardinals breed 2-3 times each season. The female builds the nest and tends the hatchlings for about 10 days while the male brings food. The male then takes over the care of this first brood while the female moves on to a new nest and lays a second clutch of eggs.

The cardinal is the state bird of 7 states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia."(Source)

USA - Michigan - State Bird

Michigan's State Bird - Robin.

Sent by Karyn, a WiP partner from USA.

"The robin was designated the official state bird of Michigan in 1931 after an election held by the Michigan Audubon Society. The legislation noted that "the robin redbreast is the best known and best loved of all the birds in the state of Michigan." The robin is also the state bird of Connecticut and Wisconsin.

Robins were named by early settlers after the familiar robin red-breast of Europe (a bird with similar markings that is not closely related to the American Robin). The most widespread thrush in North America (because of its adaptation to human-modified habitats), robins are a familiar backyard bird often observed pulling up earthworms on suburban lawns. The American robin has many vocalizations - rich songs composed of long phrases and "whinny" and "tut" calls. The female is muted in color compared to the male.

The robin's claim to the title of official state bird of Michigan has come under fire however. In late 2003 a group of 3rd, 4th, & 5th graders arrived at the state capital to lobby for the Kirtland's Warbler as the state bird of Michigan. Some of their reasons: the Kirtland's Warbler nests exclusively in Michigan, it is the rarest warbler in North America, and has recovered from near-extinction (expected to be removed from endangered species list soon) thanks to conservation efforts to preserve their only habitat , Michigan's Jack Pine Barrens."(Source)

USA - Pennsylvania - State Bird

PENNSYLVANIA RUFFED GROUSE
The Ruffed Grouse is not only Pennsylvania state bird, it is one of the most popular game birds in America. Resilient to terrain and many predators, the Ruffed Grouse can be found in all parts of Pennsylvania. It was given the "ruffed" name for the male's neck feathers that become raised when defending his territory or attracting a hen.

Sent by Todd, a postcrosser from Pennsylvania, USA.

"The ruffed grouse was designated the official state bird of Pennsylvania in 1931. Sometimes called the Partridge, the Ruffed Grouse is one of 10 species of grouse native to North America, ranging mostly in regions where snow is an important part of the winter scene (consistently covering the ground from late November to at least late March). The Ruffed Grouse is a hearty bird which thrives during severe winters that decimate flocks of quail, pheasants, and turkeys.

Male Ruffed Grouse are aggressively territorial throughout their adult lives, defending a 6-10 acre piece of woodland shared with one or two hens. The male grouse proclaims his property rights by engaging in a "drumming" display (ruffed grouse drumming is shown near the end of the video above). This sound is made by beating his wings against the air to create a vacuum. The drummer usually stands on a log, stone or mound of dirt to drum; a stage for his display that enables a more distant view. Drumming occurs throughout the year, so long as his " drumming log" is not too deeply buried under snow. In spring, drumming becomes more frequent and prolonged as the Ruffed Grouse cock advertises his location to hens seeking a mate.

When snow covers the ground, Ruffed Grouse are almost exclusively "flower-eaters," living on the dormant flower buds or catkins of trees such as aspens, birches, cherries, ironwood and filberts. When the ground is bare of snow, they feed on a variety of green leaves, fruits, and some insects (have also been known to eat snakes, frogs and salamanders)."

USA - New Mexico - State Bird

ROADRUNNER
NEW MEXICO
The Geococcyx californiacus, commonly known as the Roadrunner, is a speedy member of the cuckoo family and New Mexico's state bird.

Sent by Robyn from New Mexico, USA.

"The roadrunner was designated the official state bird of New Mexico in 1949. Also called the chaparral bird, the roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) inhabits desert and shrubby country in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

Although a roadrunner is capable of flight, it spends most of the time on the ground, running at speeds of 15 miles per hour (or more) to catch its prey (insects, small reptiles, rodents, tarantulas, scorpions and small birds). The Hopi and Pueblo Indian tribes believed that the roadrunner provided protection against evil spirits."(Source)

USA - Virginia - State Bird

Cardinal or Northern Cardinal.
Because of its striking beauty and its widespread habitat, teh cardinal is the official bird of seven states; Virginia, West Virginia, North carolina, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.

Sent by John, a postcrosser from Virginia, USA.

"Virginia designated the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) as official state bird in 1950. One of America's favorite backyard birds, cardinals are distinctive in appearance and song - known for their "cheer cheer cheer," "whit-chew whit-chew" and "purty purty purty" whistles.

Male cardinals are a brilliant scarlet red, females a buffy brown with reddish wings - both have a jet -black mask, pronounced crest, and heavy bill. The cardinal sings nearly year-round, and the male aggressively defends his 4-acre territory (male cardinals have been seen attacking small red objects mistaken as other males).

Northern cardinals breed 2-3 times each season. The female builds the nest and tends the hatchlings for about 10 days while the male brings food. The male then takes over the care of this first brood while the female moves on to a new nest and lays a second clutch of eggs.

The cardinal is the state bird of 7 states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia"(Source)

USA - Ohio - State Bird (2)

CARDINAL
Ohio State Bird.

Sent by Terence, a postcrosser from Ohio, USA.

"Ohio designated the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) as official state bird in 1933. One of America's favorite backyard birds, cardinals are distinctive in appearance and song - known for their "cheer cheer cheer," "whit-chew whit-chew" and "purty purty purty" whistles.

Male cardinals are a brilliant scarlet red, females a buffy brown with reddish wings - both have a jet -black mask, pronounced crest, and heavy bill. The cardinal sings nearly year-round, and the male aggressively defends his 4-acre territory (male cardinals have been seen attacking small red objects mistaken as other males).

Northern cardinals breed 2-3 times each season. The female builds the nest and tends the hatchlings for about 10 days while the male brings food. The male then takes over the care of this first brood while the female moves on to a new nest and lays a second clutch of eggs.

The cardinal is the state bird of 7 states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia."(Source)

USA - Minnesota - State Bird

Common Loon (Gavia immer, sitting on its nest. The Common Loon is the Minnesota State Bird.

Sent by Ruth, a WiP partner from Minnesota, USA.

This is from Wikipedia : The loons (North America) or divers (UK/Ireland) are a group of aquatic birds found in many parts of North America and northern Eurasia (Europe, Asia and debatably Africa). All living species of loons are members of the genus (Gavia), family (Gaviidae) and order (Gaviiformes).

The loon, the size of a large duck or small goose, resembles these birds in shape when swimming. Like ducks and geese but unlike coots (which are Rallidae) and grebes (Podicipedidae), the loon's toes are connected by webbing. The bird may be confused with cormorants (Phalacrocoracidae), not too distant relatives of divers and like them are heavy set birds whose bellies – unlike those of ducks and geese – are submerged when swimming. Flying loons resemble a plump goose with a seagull's wings, relatively small in proportion to the bulky body. The bird holds its head pointing slightly upwards during swimming, but less so than cormorants do. In flight the head droops more than in similar aquatic birds.

Male and female loons have identical plumage. Plumage is largely patterned black-and-white in summer, with grey on the head and neck in some species. All have a white belly. This resembles many sea-ducks (Merginae) – notably the smaller goldeneyes (Bucephala) – but is distinct from most cormorants which rarely have white feathers, and if so usually as large rounded patches rather than delicate patterns. All species of divers have a spear-shaped bill.

Males are larger on average, but relative size is only apparent when the male and female are together.

In winter plumage is dark gray above, with some indistinct lighter mottling on the wings, and a white chin, throat and underside. The species can then be distinguished by certain features, such as size and colour of head, neck, back and bill, but often reliable identification of wintering divers is difficult even for experts – particularly as the smaller immature birds look similar to winter-plumage adults, making size an unreliable means of identification.

Gaviiformes are among the few groups of birds in which the young moult into a second coat of down feathers after shedding the first one, rather than growing juvenile feathers with downy tips that wear off as is typical in many birds. This trait is also found in tubenoses (Procellariiformes) and penguins (Sphenisciformes), both relatives of the loons.

USA - North Dakota - State Bird

The Western Meadow Lark was adopted as the official bird of the State of North Dakota on March 10, 1947.

Sent by Hazel from North Dakota, USA.

This is from Wikipedia : The Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) is a medium-sized icterid bird, about 8.5 in (21.6 cm) long. It nests on the ground in open country in western and central North America. It feeds mostly on insects, but also seeds and berries. It has distinctive calls described as watery or flute-like, which distinguish it from the closely related Eastern Meadowlark.

Adults have yellow underparts, with a black "V" on the breast, and white flanks which are streaked with black. Their upper parts are mostly brown, but also have black streaks. These birds have long pointed bills and their heads are striped with light brown and black.

Their breeding habitats are grasslands, prairies, pastures, and abandoned fields, all of which may be found from across western and central North America to northern Mexico. Where their range overlaps with the eastern species, these birds prefer thinner, drier vegetation; the two types of birds generally do not interbreed but do defend territory against one another. Their nests are situated on the ground, and are covered with a roof woven from grass. There may be more than one nesting female in a male's territory. Their nests are sometimes destroyed by mowing operations with eggs and young in them.

Western Meadowlarks will interbreed with Eastern Meadowlarks where their ranges overlap; however, resulting young appear to have low fertility.

Western Meadowlarks are permanent residents throughout much of their range. Northern birds may migrate to the southern parts of their range; some birds also move east in the southern United States.

These birds forage on the ground or in low to semi-low vegetation. They sometimes search for food by probing with their bills. They mainly eat insects, although they will devour seeds and berries. In winter, these birds often feed in flocks.

These birds have a flute-like warbled song. These calls contrast with the simple, whistled call of the Eastern Meadowlark.

These two species were considered to be the same species for some time; the western species, having been overlooked for some time, was given the species name neglecta.

This is the state bird of Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon and Wyoming. Only the Northern Cardinal is the state bird of more states.

USA - Minnesota - State Flower & State Bird

MINNESOTA
State Bird : Common Loon
State Flowers : Showy Lady's Slipper

Sent by Nadezhda, a postcrosser from Belarus.

USA - South Dakota - State Bird

THE RING-NECKED PHEASANT, state bird of South Dakota, surprisingly is not native to the state or even the U.S. Imported from China during the late 1890s, it apparently liked what it found here and proliferated, becoming the most popular game bird in the region.

Sent by Josie from South Dakota.

This is from Wikipedia : The Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), is a bird in the pheasant family (Phasianidae). It is native to Caucasus and Russia and has been widely introduced elsewhere as a game bird. In parts of its range, namely in places where none of its relatives occur such as in Europe (where it is naturalized), it is simply known as the "pheasant". "Ring-necked Pheasant" is a collective name for a number of subspecies and their crossbreeds. As of 2005, it has the smallest known genome of all living amniotes, only 0.97 pg (970 million base pairs).

It is a well-known gamebird, among those of more than regional importance perhaps the most widespread and ancient one in the whole world. The Common Pheasant is one of the world's most hunted birds; it has been introduced for that purpose to many regions, and is also common on game farms where it is commercially bred. Ring-necked Pheasants in particular are commonly bred and were introduced to many parts of the world; the game farm stock, though no distinct breeds have been developed yet, can be considered semi-domesticated. The Ring-necked Pheasant is the state bird of South Dakota, one of only three US state birds that is not a species native to the United States.

The Green Pheasant (P. versicolor) of Japan is sometimes placed as subspecies within the Common Pheasant. Though the species produce fertile hybrids wherever they coexist, this is simply a typical feature among Galloanseres, in which postzygotic isolating mechanisms are slight compared to most other birds. The species apparently have somewhat different ecological requirements and at least in its typical habitat the Green outcompetes the Common Pheasant; its introduction to Japan has therefore largely failed.

USA -New York - State Bird

NEW YORK STATE BIRD
Male Eastern Bluebird on Apple Blossom.

Sent by Heather, a postcrosser from New York.

This is from Wikipedia : The Eastern Bluebird, Sialia sialis, is a small thrush found in open woodlands, farmlands and orchards, and most recently can be spotted in suburban areas. It is the state bird of Missouri and New York.

Adults have a white belly. Adult males are bright blue and red on top and have a reddish brown throat and breast. Adult females have lighter blue wings and tail, a brownish throat and breast and a grey crown and back. Eastern Bluebirds are found east of the Rockies, southern Canada to the Gulf States and southeastern Arizona to Nicaragua.

The bright blue breeding plumage of the male, easily observed on a wire or open perch, fluttering down to the mowed grass to capture a grasshopper, cricket or beetle makes this species a favorite of birders. The male's call includes sometimes soft warbles of jeew or chir-wi or the melodious song chiti WEEW wewidoo (Sibley, 2000).

USA - Alaska - State Bird

Alaska's State Bird The Willow Ptarmigan. This bird changes plumage with the seasons. White in the winter, dark in the summer. Here shown in transition.

Sent by Sarah, a WiP partner from Alaska, USA.

This is from Wikipedia : The Willow Grouse (Lagopus lagopus) or Willow Ptarmigan is a bird of the grouse subfamily. It is a sedentary species, breeding in birch and other forests and moorlands in the tundra of Scotland, Scandinavia, Siberia, and of Alaska and northern Canada. It is the state bird of Alaska.

In summer male's plumage is marbled brown, with a reddish hue to the neck and breast, a black tail, and white wings and underparts. It has two inconspicuous wattles above the eyes, which become prominent in the breeding season. The female is similar, but lacks the wattles and has brown feathers strewn all over the belly. In winter, both sexes' plumages become completely white, except for the black tail.

They can be distinguished from the (Rock) Ptarmigan (L. muta) by habitat (L. lagopus is not found above the tree line), larger size and thicker bill; the summer plumage is browner, the winter Willow Ptarmigan's male lacks the black loral stripe. It is a little bigger than the ptarmigan.

The distinctive British subspecies L. l. scotica (Red Grouse) has sometimes been considered a separate species. This moorland bird is reddish brown all over, except the white feet.

The male's call is a loud go-back go-back.