West Virginia State Bird: Northern Cardinal
Fact-checked • Updated January 15, 2025
West Virginia State Bird – Northern Cardinal
West Virginia adopted the Northern Cardinal as its official state bird on March 7, 1949. The legislature authorized public school students and civic organizations to vote. Cardinals won by more than 11,000 votes. Ten other species competed, including American robins, tufted titmice, and bluebirds. College students, garden clubs, sportsmen clubs, and bird study groups cast ballots. Males display brilliant scarlet plumage. Females show tan coloring with red accents. The species lives in all 55 West Virginia counties year-round.
Why West Virginia Chose This Bird
Males displayed brilliant scarlet plumage across West Virginia. Females showed subtler tan and red coloring. Cardinals lived in all 55 counties by the 1940s. You heard their loud whistled songs from early spring through summer. Bright red males stood out in backyards, parks, and forest edges.
Cardinals visited feeders near homes regularly. Students and civic groups recognized the species easily. Ten other birds competed for the designation. West Virginians called this species the Redbird of the Mountains. Postcards featured the cardinal during the 1930s, showing its popularity before official recognition.
Legislative History
-
Earlier Consideration
Nature Magazine reported in 1932 that the tufted titmouse might become West Virginia's official bird. The West Virginia Federated Women's Clubs had selected it as their choice. This selection never reached legislative approval.
-
Student Vote and Adoption
The legislature passed legislation on March 7, 1949, authorizing a vote for an official bird and tree. Public school students and civic organizations participated. Cardinals won decisively with more than 11,000 votes over competing species. The legislature adopted the cardinal through House Concurrent Resolution No. 12 on March 7, 1949. The designation never entered the West Virginia Code despite legislative approval.
What This Bird Represents
Mountain Connection
West Virginians called the cardinal the Redbird of the Mountains during the 1930s. The bird appeared on postcards and memorabilia. State symbols including the flag and seal feature cardinal imagery. The bright red color contrasts with mountain greenery throughout the year.
Winter Visibility
Cardinals remain year-round residents. Winter brings enhanced visibility when other red birds have migrated. Snow creates dramatic contrast with scarlet plumage. The nickname Winter Redbird reflects this seasonal prominence. Male birds defend territories even in cold months.
Physical Characteristics
Size and Build
Adults measure 8.3 to 9.1 inches long. Wingspan reaches 9.8 to 12.2 inches. Weight ranges from 1.5 to 1.7 ounces. Males average slightly larger than females. Prominent crests rise from the tops of heads. Heavy, stout bills crack seeds efficiently.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males display brilliant scarlet red coloring across entire bodies. Black face masks cover areas around bills and throats. Females show buffy-brown plumage with red confined to crests, wings, and tails. Both sexes have coral-red beaks and black facial masks. Female coloring provides camouflage while sitting on nests. Young birds resemble females until fall molt.
Behavior and Song
Vocal Repertoire
Cardinals sing nearly year-round. Males perform from high perches to defend territories. Song consists of clear whistles like 'cheer cheer cheer,' 'whit-chew whit-chew,' and 'purty purty purty.' Both males and females sing, which separates cardinals from most North American songbirds. Spring songs begin early in the morning.
Territorial Defense
Males aggressively defend four-acre territories. Window reflections trigger attacks when males mistake images for rival birds. Mirrors and car bumpers also provoke territorial responses. Cardinals attack these surfaces repeatedly, believing intruders have entered their space. This behavior occurs during breeding season.
Habitat and Range
West Virginia Distribution
Cardinals inhabit all 55 counties across West Virginia. Woodlands and forest edges provide nesting sites. Gardens and suburban areas attract regular visitors. Shrublands and wetlands support populations. The species adapted well to human-modified landscapes. Backyard feeders supplement natural food sources.
Geographic Range
Range extends from New York state to the Gulf of Mexico. Western distribution reaches Oklahoma. Cardinals live from southern Canada through Mexico to northern Guatemala and Belize. The species does not migrate and maintains year-round territories. Population expanded northward since 1900. Rising temperatures and increased bird feeders aided this expansion.
Diet and Feeding
Food Preferences
Seeds form the dietary foundation. Grains and weed seeds provide nutrition year-round. Insects supplement seed consumption during breeding season. Fruits add variety to summer and fall diets. Cardinals prefer easily husked seeds but become less selective when food grows scarce. Sunflower seeds attract them to feeders.
Feeding Behavior
Ground foraging occurs frequently. Cardinals hop through leaf litter searching for seeds and insects. Low shrubs and small trees offer additional foraging sites. Courtship feeding happens when males offer food to females beak-to-beak. Winter brings increased feeder visits. Farm yards attract cardinals mixing with doves, jays, and sparrows.
Reproduction
Nest Construction
Females build nests close to ground level. Shrubs and small trees provide sites. Materials include twigs, vines, leaves, and small roots. Hair and fine grass line the interior cup. Nests stay well-hidden in dense vegetation. Construction happens in early spring before leaves fully emerge.
Breeding Cycle
Clutches contain two to five eggs. Eggs appear buff-white with dark marks. Females incubate for 12 to 13 days. Young leave nests 10 to 11 days after hatching. Cardinals may produce two, three, or even four broods per season. Males care for existing broods while females incubate next clutches. Spring courtship rituals begin with males offering females food tidbits.
Conservation Status
Legal Protection
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 protects cardinals in the United States. This law prohibits taking, killing, or possessing individuals. Selling cardinals as cage birds became illegal. Violations bring fines up to $15,000 and six months imprisonment. Canada protects cardinals through the Convention for the Protection of Migratory Birds.
Population Status
Global population reaches approximately 130 million birds. Numbers show stable or increasing trends. The species maintains Least Concern conservation status. Human activity generally benefits cardinals through feeder supplementation and habitat creation. Populations continue spreading beyond historical ranges. Adaptive capabilities allow success in varied environments.
Interesting Facts
Fact 1 of 6
The Northern Cardinal is the state bird of seven states, more than any other bird species in the United States
Northern Cardinal Songs & Calls
Hear the clear whistles and sharp calls of the Northern Cardinal. 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 state government information on the Northern Cardinal adoption and legislative history • Accessed: November 30, 2025
West Virginia-specific information on the cardinal's selection, behavior, and cultural significance • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Comprehensive species guide with identification, behavior, habitat, and breeding information • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Detailed field guide information on physical characteristics, range, and conservation status • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Accuracy Commitment: We strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date information. If you notice any errors or outdated information, please contact us.