What is the state bird of Washington?
The Willow Goldfinch (American Goldfinch), Spinus tristis, named Washington's state bird in 1951. 2 other states share it.
- State bird
- Willow Goldfinch (American Goldfinch)
- Scientific name
- Spinus tristis
- Year adopted
- 1951
- Shared with
- Iowa, New Jersey
- Status in Washington
- present all year
- Nesting season here
- July–September
- Size
- 4.3–5.1 in, 0.4–0.7 oz
Seeing a American Goldfinch in Washington
In Washington 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 Willow Goldfinch
Washington shares its bird with Iowa, New Jersey. 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 Washington?
The Willow Goldfinch (American Goldfinch) (Spinus tristis), adopted in 1951.
When did Washington choose its state bird?
1951.
Do other states have the same state bird as Washington?
Yes: Iowa, New Jersey.
Can you see the Willow Goldfinch (American Goldfinch) in Washington all year?
In Washington 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.