Delaware State Bird: Delaware Blue Hen
Fact-checked • Updated November 24, 2025
Delaware State Bird – Delaware Blue Hen
Delaware designated the Blue Hen as its official state bird on April 14, 1939. The name connects to soldiers in Captain Jonathan Caldwell’s company during the Revolutionary War. Troops carried a reputation linked to gamecocks with bluish plumage. Historical accounts kept the association alive. No other state selected a domestic chicken as its bird.
Why Delaware Chose the Blue Hen as State Bird
Delaware selected the Blue Hen as its state bird on April 14, 1939. The Delaware General Assembly passed legislation making this historic domestic chicken the official bird. Delaware remains the only state to adopt a chicken as its state bird.
The Blue Hen’s significance comes from Delaware’s Revolutionary War history. Captain Jonathan Caldwell’s company from Kent County earned a reputation for toughness and discipline. Their nickname, 'Blue Hen’s Chickens,' referred to the fighting spirit of the soldiers rather than an established chicken breed.
Historical accounts describe that some gamecocks associated with Delaware troops had a blue-gray tint, which helped inspire the name. Cockfighting was common entertainment in military camps, and these birds were known for their aggressive nature.
After the Revolution, Delaware citizens embraced the Blue Hen as a symbol of state pride. The University of Delaware adopted the Blue Hen as its mascot in 1911, further cementing the bird’s place in state identity.
By 1939, lawmakers made the symbol official. The Blue Hen represents Delaware’s bravery, independence, and Revolutionary War heritage.
History of Adoption: From Revolution to State Symbol
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1775 — Revolutionary War Origins
Captain Jonathan Caldwell recruited soldiers from Kent County. His company became well known within the Continental Army for its discipline. The nickname 'Blue Hen’s Chickens' likely arose due to the men’s reputation and the game birds associated with them.
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1776–1783 — Reputation Spreads
Delaware troops fought in battles including Long Island, White Plains, Trenton, and Princeton. Their consistent bravery helped spread the 'Blue Hen' nickname across the Continental Army.
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1911 — University of Delaware Adoption
The University of Delaware adopted the 'Fightin’ Blue Hens' name for its athletic teams. This revived public interest in the historic Revolutionary War nickname.
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April 14, 1939 — Official State Designation
The Delaware General Assembly passed legislation declaring the Blue Hen the state bird. Governor Richard McMullen signed the bill into law, making Delaware the only U.S. state with a domestic bird as its symbol.
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Modern Recognition
The Blue Hen appears on Delaware National Guard insignia, state publications, and university branding. It remains one of the most distinctive symbols linked to Delaware history.
What the Blue Hen Means to Delaware
Military Pride and Courage
The Blue Hen symbolizes the bravery of Delaware soldiers in the Revolutionary War. Delaware contributed proportionally more soldiers than many states, and their reputation for steadiness in battle became part of state identity.
Fighting Spirit
Although the original 'Blue Hens' were gamecocks, the name came to represent Delaware’s determination in government, business, and community life.
Agricultural Heritage
Chickens reflect Delaware’s deep agricultural roots. Poultry production is one of the state’s largest industries, especially in Sussex County.
State Unity
The Blue Hen story appears in classrooms, museums, and local traditions. It remains one of the most widely recognized symbols across the state.
Physical Characteristics of Blue Hens
Roosters
Roosters typically weigh 6–7.5 pounds. Many Blue Hen lines have blue-gray plumage with a greenish sheen. Bright red combs and wattles contrast with the darker feathers.
Hens
Hens weigh 5–6 pounds and often show darker, uniform blue-gray coloring. Their combs are smaller than those of roosters.
Distinctive Features
Blue Hens commonly have yellow legs and a muscular build inherited from historic gamecocks. The blue-gray feather color varies by bloodline.
Blue Hen Behavior and Characteristics
Aggressive Nature
Blue Hens descend from old game fowl, which were bred for assertiveness. Roosters defend territory vigorously, a trait that contributed to the bird’s Revolutionary War symbolism.
Daily Routine
Roosters crow at dawn. Chickens forage during the day for seeds, insects, and plants, then roost together at night.
Social Structure
A dominant rooster typically leads each flock. Hens maintain a pecking order to establish hierarchy.
Breeding
Hens lay brown eggs. Most Blue Hen flocks produce a moderate number of eggs each year, depending on the specific bloodline.
Where Blue Hens Live in Delaware
Farm Locations
Blue Hens are raised on a small number of specialty farms across Delaware. Greenbank Mill maintains a historical demonstration flock, and the University of Delaware keeps breeding stock for preservation.
Conservation Efforts
The Livestock Conservancy lists Blue Hens as 'Critical'. Fewer than 500 breeding birds exist nationwide. Delaware organizations work to preserve the historic bloodlines.
Viewing Opportunities
- University of Delaware Agricultural Farm in Newark
- Greenbank Mill near Wilmington
- Delaware State Fair in Harrington
- Delaware Agricultural Museum in Dover
- Occasional special events and heritage demonstrations
Blue Hen Facts
Fact 1 of 8
Delaware is the only state with a chicken as its official bird.
Delaware Blue Hen Songs & Calls
Hear the clear whistles and sharp calls of the Delaware Blue Hen. These field recordings capture their distinctive voice in natural habitat.
Audio licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Sources & References
This article has been researched using authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. All information has been fact-checked and verified against official government records and scientific databases.
Official Delaware government page on the state bird. • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Overview of the Blue Hen’s history and cultural significance. • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Educational fact sheet from the University of Delaware with historical and biological details. • Accessed: November 30, 2025
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