What is the state bird of North Carolina?
The Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis, named North Carolina's state bird in 1943. 6 other states share it.
- State bird
- Northern Cardinal
- Scientific name
- Cardinalis cardinalis
- Year adopted
- 1943
- Shared with
- Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia
- Status in North Carolina
- present all year
- Nesting season here
- April–August
- Size
- 8.3–9.1 in, 1.5–1.7 oz
Seeing a Northern Cardinal in North Carolina
In North Carolina 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
North Carolina shares its bird with Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, 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 North Carolina?
The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), adopted in 1943.
When did North Carolina choose its state bird?
1943.
Do other states have the same state bird as North Carolina?
Yes: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia.
Can you see the Northern Cardinal in North Carolina all year?
In North Carolina 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.