What is the state bird of West Virginia?
The Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis, named West Virginia's state bird in 1949. 6 other states share it.
- State bird
- Northern Cardinal
- Scientific name
- Cardinalis cardinalis
- Year adopted
- 1949
- Shared with
- Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia
- Status in West Virginia
- present all year
- Nesting season here
- April–August
- Size
- 8.3–9.1 in, 1.5–1.7 oz
Seeing a Northern Cardinal in West Virginia
In West Virginia 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
West Virginia shares its bird with Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, 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 West Virginia?
The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), adopted in 1949.
When did West Virginia choose its state bird?
1949.
Do other states have the same state bird as West Virginia?
Yes: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia.
Can you see the Northern Cardinal in West Virginia all year?
In West Virginia 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.