What is the state bird of Illinois?
The Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis, named Illinois's state bird in 1929. 6 other states share it.
- State bird
- Northern Cardinal
- Scientific name
- Cardinalis cardinalis
- Year adopted
- 1929
- Shared with
- Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia
- Status in Illinois
- present all year
- Nesting season here
- April–August
- Size
- 8.3–9.1 in, 1.5–1.7 oz
Seeing a Northern Cardinal in Illinois
In Illinois the Northern Cardinal is present all year. Male entirely red with a black face mask around a thick red-orange bill. Female warm buff-brown with red tinges in the crest, wings and tail. Loud, clear whistled phrases ("cheer-cheer-cheer", "birdie-birdie"); both sexes sing. Call is a sharp metallic chip.
Other states with the Northern Cardinal
Illinois shares its bird with Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia. Most state birds were picked in the 1920s and 1930s, often through school votes and women's club campaigns, and popular, widespread birds were chosen again and again.
Frequently asked
What is the state bird of Illinois?
The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), adopted in 1929.
When did Illinois choose its state bird?
1929.
Do other states have the same state bird as Illinois?
Yes: Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia.
Can you see the Northern Cardinal in Illinois all year?
In Illinois it is present all year. Nesting runs about April to August.
Adoption years from state archives and statutes as compiled in the List of U.S. state birds.