What is the state bird of Iowa?
The Eastern Goldfinch (American Goldfinch), Spinus tristis, named Iowa's state bird in 1933. 2 other states share it.
- State bird
- Eastern Goldfinch (American Goldfinch)
- Scientific name
- Spinus tristis
- Year adopted
- 1933
- Shared with
- New Jersey, Washington
- Status in Iowa
- present all year
- Nesting season here
- July–September
- Size
- 4.3–5.1 in, 0.4–0.7 oz
Seeing a American Goldfinch in Iowa
In Iowa the American Goldfinch is present all year. Breeding male bright yellow with a black forehead and black wings with white bars. Females and winter birds olive-brown to dull yellow with bold wing bars. Long, twittering song; distinctive flight call "po-ta-to-chip" given in bouncing flight.
Other states with the Eastern Goldfinch
Iowa shares its bird with New Jersey, Washington. 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 Iowa?
The Eastern Goldfinch (American Goldfinch) (Spinus tristis), adopted in 1933.
When did Iowa choose its state bird?
1933.
Do other states have the same state bird as Iowa?
Yes: New Jersey, Washington.
Can you see the Eastern Goldfinch (American Goldfinch) in Iowa all year?
In Iowa it is present all year. Nesting runs about July to September.
Adoption years from state archives and statutes as compiled in the List of U.S. state birds.