State Birds

July 07, 2007

What do Montana, Nebraska, and North Dakota have in common?

Well, let's see, they all have stinking cold winters, they are all located west of the Mississippi, and of course! They all have chosen the western meadowlark as their state birds!

State birds are a cultural tradition in the US. Every state has one, and they vary from the commonplace (mockingbird, chickadee, cardinal) to the more eclectic (Rhode Island Red breed of chicken, willow ptarmigan, nene).

Today's FamilyFirst site will acquaint you with all 50 state birds.

Clicking on a bird listing will take you to a page that is extensively populated with information about the particular species. For instance, selecting Georgia's bird, the brown thrasher, gives you commentary like this:

READER, look attentively at the plate before you, and say if such a scene as that which I have attempted to portray, is not calculated to excite the compassion of any one who is an admirer of woodland melody, or who sympathizes with the courageous spirit which the male bird shews, as he defends his nest, and exerts all his powers to extricate his beloved mate from the coils of the vile snake which has already nearly deprived her of life. Another male of the same species, answering the call of despair from his "fellow creature," comes swiftly downwards to rescue the sufferers. With open bill he is already prepared to strike a vengeful blow at the reptile, his bright eye glancing hatred at his foe. See a third grappling with the snake, and with all its might tearing the skin from its body! Should this alliance of noble spirits prove victorious, will it not remind you that innocence, although beset with difficulties, may, with the aid of friendship, extricate herself with honour?

That's right! In case you don't recognize the elegant prose, it is that of John James Audobon himself!

So enjoy today's scientifically and civically educational FamilyFirst site, presented care of the greatest ornithologist in history.

http://www.50states.com/bird/