What is the state bird of Kentucky?
The Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis, named Kentucky's state bird in 1926. 6 other states share it.
- State bird
- Northern Cardinal
- Scientific name
- Cardinalis cardinalis
- Year adopted
- 1926
- Shared with
- Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia
- Status in Kentucky
- present all year
- Nesting season here
- April–August
- Size
- 8.3–9.1 in, 1.5–1.7 oz
Seeing a Northern Cardinal in Kentucky
In Kentucky 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
Kentucky shares its bird with Illinois, Indiana, 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 Kentucky?
The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), adopted in 1926.
When did Kentucky choose its state bird?
1926.
Do other states have the same state bird as Kentucky?
Yes: Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia.
Can you see the Northern Cardinal in Kentucky all year?
In Kentucky 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.