We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Symbols

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is the State Bird of West Virginia?

By S. McCumber
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,394
References
Share

The state bird of West Virginia is the Northern Cardinal, or Cardinalis cardinalis. It also is commonly referred to as the common cardinal, redbird or simply the cardinal. Citizens of the state voted to make the cardinal the state bird in 1949. It also is the state bird of neighboring Virginia, though West Virginians claim to have appointed the bird first, and five other U.S. states.

The Northern Cardinal is a songbird that is easily recognizable by its crest and plumage. The male cardinal sports bright red feathers and crest with a black mask and red beak. The female of the species is not as flashy, with brown feathers with reddish highlights and a brown crest. The female also has the black mask across its face and a red beak. The flashy plumage and mask are often cited as one of the reasons it was named the state bird of West Virginia.

The state bird of West Virginia is not a migratory bird and can be spotted year-round in its habitat. It can be found from the northern U.S. all the way down to Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Cardinals have been spotted as far west in the U.S. as New Mexico, though it is better established east of the Rocky Mountains.

The cardinal is considered a mid-size bird and feeds mostly on seeds and insects. It is not picky about its diet and is drawn to bird feeders, especially in the winter months. Cardinals often forage in pairs on the ground. They can be shy and wary of open spaces and normally stick to tree lines, dense foliage and shrubs.

The song of the cardinal is distinctive and easily identifiable. It consists of several staccato chirps, often followed by higher-pitched tweets. The song is not difficult to duplicate by humans and many birdwatchers often replicate the call to draw cardinals in to observe. Cardinals are very territorial and will rapidly come to investigate if they hear their song in their area. This vigilant defense of its territory is another reason why the cardinal was named the state bird of West Virginia.

These birds mate for life and normally reproduce twice a year. A typical nest will contain from two to four eggs at a time. During the incubation period, the female will stay with the eggs and the male will forage for grain, which he will bring back and feed to the female.

Cardinals are preyed upon by hawks and shrikes, as well as some squirrels and owls. Nests are often targeted by snakes, jays, squirrels and chipmunks. The birds will aggressively defend their territory and nest.

Share
America Explained is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Discussion Comments
By Talentryto — On Feb 14, 2014

Yep, the cardinal is the state bird of Virginia too. I didn't realize that it was also the state bird of Ohio, either. That's what I like about these articles. You learn something new and interesting every time you read one!

By Heavanet — On Feb 13, 2014
I didn't know that other states have the cardinal as their state bird either, Rundocuri. I am from Ohio, and I thought we were the only one.
By Rundocuri — On Feb 12, 2014

This is an interesting article, because I didn't realize that five other states have the same state bird. There is also a lot of good information here about the cardinal.

Share
https://www.americaexplained.org/what-is-the-state-bird-of-west-virginia.htm
Copy this link
America Explained, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

America Explained, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.