state bird

American  

noun

1. a bird chosen as an official symbol of a U.S. state.

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Etymology

Origin of state bird

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Example Sentences

That year, the Nēnē was named the state bird, bringing more attention to conservation efforts and funding to captive breeding in order to release the bird back into the wild.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 10, 2025

Despite decades of decline, a genetic analysis of ruffed grouse reveals that Pennsylvania's state bird harbors more genetic diversity and connectivity than expected.

From Science Daily • Oct. 4, 2023

The 1931 law establishing the California valley quail as our state bird noted it was a game bird, indicating it was to be hunted for sport or food, he said.

From New York Times • Apr. 11, 2023

"Our rivers are in a poor state, bird and other species numbers are in serious decline, poor air quality threatens the health of many, and our seas and sea floor are not managed sustainably."

From BBC • May 11, 2022

I draw them and also a dogwood—the state tree AND flower—with a cardinal in it—the state bird.

From "Mockingbird" by Kathryn Erskine