Why was the cardinal chosen as the state bird of Illinois?
The medium-sized songbird, known for its vibrant crimson red feathers, chose the state of Illinois as one of its home states. Northern Cardinals prefer a happy medium between forested lands and open areas, so The Prairie State became a natural choice for these birds.
Is a cardinal a state bird?
One of the most common state birds, the stunningly red cardinal is the official bird of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. School children selected the cardinal as Illinois' state bird back in 1929.
What is Illinois official bird?
Northern cardinalIllinois / State birdThe northern cardinal is a bird in the genus Cardinalis; it is also known colloquially as the redbird, common cardinal, red cardinal, or just cardinal. Wikipedia
How rare are red cardinals in Illinois?
A rare yellow cardinal has been spotted in Illinois - and there's a less than one-in-a-million chance to see one, expert says. (CBS News) - Cardinals are usually associated with the bright red color of their feathers, but a couple in Illinois say a yellow version of the bird hangs out in their backyard.
How does a state decide a state bird?
The state bird for a state is typically chosen by the legislature of that state, representatives of the people elected to draft and enact laws for the citizens of that state. This began in 1926 when the state of Kentucky chose the northern cardinal as its official state bird; this selection was then recodified in 1942.
Why do we have a state bird?
This bird is typically chosen to be symbolic of a state for a number of different reasons, and is usually a bird that is either common or unique to a particular region. Many states also have state flowers, state plants, and state mottos, as well as unique state flags.
When did the cardinal become Illinois state bird?
1929Illinois was the first of seven states to select the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) as its State Bird. The cardinal was chosen in 1929. Illinois schoolchildren voted for the State Bird.
Are there Cardinals in Illinois?
The northern cardinal is a common, permanent resident statewide in Illinois. Nesting occurs from April to August. The nest is built in a shrub, small tree, vines or briars from three to 20 feet above the ground.
What is Illinois pet?
Official State Pet of Illinois Illinois designated "shelter dogs and shelter cats that are residing in or have been adopted from a shelter or rescue facility in this State" as the official state pet of the state of Illinois (effective August 25, 2017).
Are cardinals extinct?
Least Concern (Population stable)Northern cardinal / Conservation status
What bird is red but not a cardinal?
Summer tanagers are all red birds, without the black wings and tail of the scarlet tanager, and no black eye mask like cardinals. Look for them in southern states. They are not as numerous as cardinals, so spotting one is an exciting find for bird-watchers. Discover 8 surprising facts about tanagers.
Are cardinals in Chicago?
The professional American football team now known as the Arizona Cardinals previously played in Chicago, Illinois, as the Chicago Cardinals from 1898 to 1959 before relocating to St. Louis, Missouri, for the 1960 through 1987 seasons.