What is North Carolina's state bird?

North Carolina designated the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) as official state bird in 1943. 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.

The northern cardinal seems to be loved by people from different states more than any other bird: Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina have it as the state bird. It was also a candidate to become the state bird of Delaware, but, unfortunately, lost to the Delaware Blue Hen. But we would cheer for the northern cardinal!

More Info: www.statesymbolsusa.org

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What are your thoughts on this subject?

76 Comments

Audrey Thorson

Any bird that's red is my favorite!

Howard Groopman

No truth to the rumor that New Jersey's state bird is the mosquito.

Player

Peter Howse, I'm in 23rd place and I don't care about who's in 342nd place

Kevin Dale Streets

Seems like a cardinal of some sort is the state bird of a lot of Southern states.

✨KRISTA✨

I was taught as a child, "see a cardinal (red ♥️ bird) make a happy wish to God". That has stuck with me through the years!🤗💕

Char

I thought they were KYs ...hmm have to look that up

Corey Taylor

As a Floridian, ours is the Northern Mockingbird. Not gonna lie, I fully expected it to be the Flamingo!

Robert Snow

I have a couple in my backyard in N.H.

Elsy O. Stromberg

Very pretty bird! Great choice, N.C.!

Ian MacBrown

Dont know why but I just knew this one...?

Elaine Miller

We have them in our feeders and we love them !

Janice Fish

A greatguess!

Susan Wellborn Ritchie

I love Cardinals. I have at least eight that hang out in my backyard

Jacqui Calzia Szymanski

Well....876 points....12th place? Something definitely weird! I think we need to ask for clarification...like maybe I am in 12th place from the bottom....