The Official Illinois State Bird

Cardinal

The Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is the official Illinois state bird, and is a member of the family Cardinalidae. This species of bird is found in the eastern half of North America, ranging from Canada to Mexico. The male Cardinal is a bold red color with a black face and black bill. The female is a duller brownish-tan, but with the same distinctive black face and bill.

Cardinals were officially designated as the state bird of Illinois in 1929. According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the selection of the Cardinal was based on the birds’ hardiness, its beauty, and its adaptability to the changing environment. The Cardinal is a symbol of strength and resilience, and is seen as a symbol of hope in times of adversity. It is thought that the state’s early settlers were inspired by the bird’s beauty and its ability to survive the harsh winters of the region. The Cardinal has also become a symbol of the state’s natural beauty and is featured in many official state emblems, including the state flag and seal.

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