Alabama Wild Turkey
The wild turkey was designated official Alabama game bird in 1980. A true native American, the eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) is the largest & most widely distributed of the six subspecies of wild turkey in North America. The Male can grow up to 4’ tall and weigh well over 20 lbs. Hens may be almost as tall but usually less than 12–14lbs. The wild turkey is also a state symbol of MA, SC, & OK.
Alaska Moose
The moose was designated the official AK land mammal in 1998. Moose (Alces alces) are the world's largest member of the deer family, and the AK moose (Alces alces gigas) is largest of all moose (males 1,000 - 1,600 lbs). They mostly inhabit northern forests of North America, Europe, & Russia (Europe they are called "elk").
Arizona Ridge Nosed Rattlesnake
The Arizona ridge-nosed rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi) was recognized as the official state reptile of in 1986. First known to science in 1905, this small brown snake is of the most primitive rattlesnakes found in the US.
Arkansas Mockingbird
The mockingbird was recognized as the official state bird of Arkansas in 1929. Northern Mockingbirds have extraordinary vocal abilities - they can sing up to 200 songs, including other birds, insects & amphibian sounds, even mechanical noise. It is also the state bird symbol of FL, TX, TN and MS.
California Quail
California designated the California valley quail as state bird in 1931. Known for hardiness and adaptability, the native (Callipepla Californicus) is plump, smaller than a pigeon, with a black plume on its head & a black bib & white stripe under its beak. Other names: CA partridge, Catalina quail, Topknot quail & Valley Quail.
Colorado Rocky Mountain Bighorn
The Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep was designated official state animal of Colorado in 1961. Named for their massive, curling horns (which can grow to 50”) and agility & balance, they (Ovis canadensis) are found only in the Rockies (usually above timberline) in extremely rugged terrain. Their horns aren’t shed annually like deer and elk, but grow in length and circumference throughout the sheep's life (a pair can weigh 30 lbs). Fewer than 45,000 are scattered through the western US and Canada in small, isolated herds.
Connecticut American Robin
Connecticut designated the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) as state bird in 1943. Also the official state bird of MI and WI. Robins are a true thrush and one of America's favorite songbirds. Migratory robins are watched for each year as the heralder of spring, but many spend the entire winter in NE swamps, roosting in evergreens and feeding on winter berries.
Delaware Ladybug
The lady bug was adopted as the official state bug of Delaware in 1974 thanks to an intensive effort made by the 2nd grade students of the Lulu M. Ross Elementary in Milford, Delaware. Lady bugs help gardeners and farmers by eating tiny insect pests that damage plants. Also official animal OH, MA, NH, TN, and NY.
Florida Panther
In 1982 the students of Florida elected the panther (Felis concolor coryi) as state animal of FL. A large predator (can grow more than 6’ in length), they play an important role in the ecosystem. Florida panthers were persecuted to near-extinction out of fear (folklore refers as "catamounts"). It is on the federal endangered species list, 1967, and the state’s of endangered list in 1973.
Georgia Brown Thrasher
Georgia's governor first proclaimed brown thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) as state bird in 1935; it was finally recognized by state legislature asstate bird in 1970 (at request of Garden Clubs of Georgia).
Hawaiian Goose
The nene, or Hawaiian goose (Branta sandwicensis) was designated the official state bird of Hawaii in 1957. The nene seldom swims and is not bothered by predators or cold temperatures, they do not fly as much and their wings are weak compared to other geese. Today the Nene has feet that are only half as webbed as other geese, and longer toes for climbing on the rocky surfaces.
Idaho Peregrine Falcon
The magnificent peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) was designated the official state raptor of Idaho in 2004 (on the state quarter). Idaho recognizes two bird symbols (the mountain bluebird is state bird). The Peregrine Falcon was an endangered species due to pesticides, but populations are recovering since ban of DDT in the 1970's and it was removed from the list in 1999.
Illinois Painted Turtle
Designated official state reptile in 2005 after winning 2004 vote of the citizens of IL. Also state reptile of MI
Indiana Cardinal
Indiana designated the northern cardinal (Richmondena Cardinalis Cardinalis) as official state bird in 1933. One of America's favorite backyard birds, cardinals are distinctive in appearance and song.
Iowa Western Meadowlark
IA designated the eastern goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) as state bird in 1933. Also called American goldfinch or wild canary, the eastern goldfinch is found throughout IA and often stays through the winter months
Kansas Tiger Barred Salamander
KS designated the barred tiger salamander (Ambystoma mavortium) as state amphibian in 1994. A large amphibian that can grow to 14’, they are found in wild from sw Canada through west US to northern Mexico.
Kentucky Thouroughbred
The thoroughbred (Equus caballus) was designated official state horse of Kentucky in 1996 (a thoroughbred horse is also featured on the Kentucky state quarter).
Louisiana Brown Pelican
The brown pelican was designated the state bird of Louisiana in 1966. Early European settlers were impressed with the pelican's generous and nurturing attitude toward their young, and the brown pelican has been a symbol of LA since that time. Louisiana's official nickname is "The Pelican State" and the brown pelican appears on LA's state flag, state seal, the official state painting (along with many other symbols and icons of LA), and is one of three Louisiana symbols displayed on the U.S. mint's bicentennial quarter.
Maine Coon
The Maine coon cat was recognized as the official state cat of Maine in 1985. Well established more than a century ago, they are one of the oldest natural breeds in North America. Though tabby color is most well-known, they come in many colors.
Maryland Blue Crab
MD designated the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun) as the official state crustacean in 1989. Its scientific name translates as "beautiful swimmer that is savory." The name honors Mary Jane Rathbun, the scientist who described the species in 1896. The blue crab is native to the western edge of the Atlantic Ocean from Nova Scotia to Argentina and the Chesapeake Bay is famous for its blue crabs.
Massachusetts Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier (Canis familiaris bostenensis) was recognized by the Massachusetts legislature as official state dog in 1979. A cross between an English bulldog and an English terrier, the Boston terrier was the first "purebred" dog developed in America (1869).
Michigan Wolverine
With a heavy body and short muscular legs, the wolverine resembles a small bear. The two light chestnut stripes extending along its dark brown sides from the shoulders to the base of a hairy tail give it a strikingly skunk-like appearance. The wolverine belongs to the weasel family, being the largest member at 35 to 44 inches long, including its bushy tail. Neither the skunk nor the bear can match the vicious disposition and destructive capabilities of the wolverine. Never found in great numbers, even in Canada and Alaska, where the climate is best suited to their tastes, the wolverine population has dwindled alarmingly.**
Minnesota Common Loon
The common loon (Gavia immer) was adopted as official state bird symbol of MN in 1961. Loons are known for their cries, wails, and yodels - their eerie, echoing calls are a distinctive feature of MN’s northern lakes.
Mississippi Red Fox
Mississippi designated the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) as an official mammal symbol of the state in 1997. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a member of the canidae family (includes wolf, coyote & domestic dog).
Missouri Fox Trotter
The Missouri Fox Trotter, designated the state horse June 4, 2002, were developed in rugged Ozark hills of Missouri during the early 19th century. Bloodlines can be traced from early settlers to Missouri from the neighboring states of KY, IL, TN and AR. The distinguishing characteristic of the fox trotter is its rhythmic gait, in which the horse walks with the front feet and trots with the hind feet.
Montana Grizzly Bear
Montana designated the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) as the official state animal in 1983. Grizzly bears can be found in Glacier National Park and the mountains of northwest Montana. Grizzly bears are the largest carnivores in America. An adult grizzly bear can stand 8 feet tall on its hind legs, weigh up to 1,500 pounds, and run at speeds up to thirty-five miles an hour.
Nebraska Honeybee
Nebraska designated the honeybee (Apis mellifica) as official state insect in 1975. Bee pollination is critical to plant and human survival - beeswax and honey are just surplus gifts from this tiny wonder of nature. The honeybee is an official state symbol in 17 states as honeybees play an important role in agriculture.
Nevada Mountain Bluebird
Nevada designated the mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides) as the official state bird in 1967 (also the state bird of Idaho). A member of the thrush family, the mountain bluebird lives in Nevada's high country and sings with a clear, short warble.
New Hampshire Red Spotted Newt
New Hampshire designated the spotted newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) as the official state amphibian in 1985 after a two-year effort by high school students. Very common in New Hampshire, the Union Leader newspaper (April 25, 1985, p. 48) lists the spotted newt as "the perfect symbol for ensuring ecology in New Hampshire, as they exist predominantly in the rain and runoff sodden areas heavily affected by acid rain."
New Jersey Brook Trout
The brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, is the state's official fish, having been so declared by Chapter 342 of the Laws of 1991. The Legislature passed Assembly Bill 2608 and Governor James J. Florio signed it January 8, 1992 at Hopatcong Middle School, Hopatcong.
New Mexico Roadrunner
The roadrunner was designated the official state bird of New Mexico in 1949. Also called the chaparral bird, the roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) inhabits desert and shrubby country in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
New York Beaver
The beaver (Castor canadensis) was adopted as the State animal of New York in 1975. Unique animals with flat tails and lustrous fur, beavers have the ability to change a landscape second only to humans. Beavers prefer to dam streams in shallow valleys, turning much of the flooded area into wetlands (almost half of endangered and threatened species in North America rely on wetlands).
North Carolina Gray Squirrel
The Eastern gray squirrel was designated the official state mammal of North Carolina in 1969.
North Dakota Western Meadowlark
The western meadowlark (Sturnella Neglecta) was designated official state bird of North Dakota in 1947. The western meadowlark is a familiar songbird of open country across the western two-thirds of the continent. (from WI to TX and west to the Pacific). KS, MT, NE, OR, and WY as state bird.
Ohio White Tailed Deer
The Ohio General Assembly designated the white-tailed deer official state animal in 1988. An animal of incredible beauty and power, white-tailed deer are able to run up to 40 miles per hour, jump 9 foot fences, & swim 13 miles per hour. The white underside of the deer's tail waves when running and is flashed when danger is sensed. Native Americans and settlers relied on the white-tailed deer for buckskin & food.
Oklahoma Scissor Tailed Flycatcher
OK designated the scissor-tailed flycatcher (Muscivora forficata) as state bird in 1951. Protected by law, it is of great economic value (diet consists almost entirely of non-useful & harmful insect species such as grasshoppers, crickets, & beetles). The songbird's unique tail can be twice as long as its body. OK is the center of it nesting range. Late summer flocks of up to 1,000 birds form prior to migration to their winter range in south Mexico and Central America (some in southern FL). It uses many human materials in its nest.
Oregon Swallowtail
The Oregon swallowtail butterfly (Papilio oregonius) was designated as OR’s official state insect in 1979. This strikingly beautiful butterfly is a true native of the Northwest. The OR Swallowtail butterfly can be seen in the lower sagebrush canyons of the Columbia River and its tributaries, including the Snake River drainage.
Pennsylvania Great Dane
The Great Dane was designated the official state dog of PA in 1965. A portrait of William Penn and his Great Dane hangs in the Governor's reception room (Best Friend, by PA artist Violet Oakley). Great Danes were used as a hunting and working breed in frontier Pennsylvania. PA Legislation states that naming an official dog of the Commonwealth would "recognize the steadfast service and loyal devotion of all dogs in PA."
Rhode Island Red
The RI red chicken was designated the official state bird of RI in 1954. When the bill was signed into law, then Governor Roberts stated: "The RI red has become a symbol of Rhode Islanders all over the world."
South Carolina Wolf Spider
South Carolina designated the Carolina wolf spider (Hogna carolinensis) as the official state spider in 2000. It is the largest North American wolf spider. SC is the only state spider.
South Dakota Coyote
The coyote (Canis latrans) was adopted as SD state animal in 1949. Native to desert southwest, they now range from AK, Canada and the USA, and south to central America. In SD, the coyote (also called prairie wolf) is found in the greatest numbers in the Black Hills and along the Missouri River and its tributaries.
Tennessee Raccoon
The raccoon was adopted as TN's wild animal symbol in 1971. The common raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a mammal native to the Americas. The name "raccoon" is derived from the Algonquian Indian word "aroughcoune," which means "he who scratches with his hands." They range over entire US except Rockies and desert southwest. They were hunted aggressively in earlier times, mostly for their water repellent fur.
Texas Nine Banded Armadillo
TX designated the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) as official state small mammal in 1995. Distant cousin to the sloth and anteater, the nb armadillo is only species in North America. A bony, scaled shell protects the armadillo from predators. Originally native to South America, it now ranges as far north as TX, OK, KS and LA. The other twenty or so armadillo species remain in Central and South America.
Utah Rocky Mountain Elk
The Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus canadensis) became the official State animal of Utah in 1971. Called 'wapiti' by the Shawnee Indians, elk are members of the deer family and associate closely with the deer and moose of Utah. Elk once inhabited most of the USA, but are now found only west of the Rocky Mountains.
Vermont Monarch Butterfly
Vermont designated the monarch (Danaus plexippus) as official state butterfly in 1987. Caterpillar and butterfly are brilliant in color as a warning (they ingests toxins from the milkweed plant which are poisonous to predators).
Virginia American Foxhound
VA designated the American foxhound as the official state dog in 1966. They were developed in colonial times by landed gentry purely for the sport of hunting foxes. There are several different strains (ie: Walker, Goodman, Trigg, July & Penn-Marydel) that differ in appearance but are all members of the same breed.
Washington Orca
WA designated the orca whale (Orcinus orca) as the official marine mammal in 2005 due to the research and persuasion of second graders from the Crescent Harbor Elementary School in Oak Harbor, WA. This symbol is intended to promote orca awareness and to encourage protection of the natural marine habitat. Pods of orcas migrate annually through Puget Sound. It is a significant symbol for the Native American culture.
West Virginia Black Bear
The state Division of Natural Resources conducted a poll to elect a state animal as a symbol for WV in 1954. Students, teachers, and sportsmen of W V chose the black bear as the animal symbol by a large margin. The population lives in all of West Virginia's 55 counties. The black bear is also the state mammal of LA and NM.
Wisconsin Dairy Cow
The dairy cow (Bos taurus) was designated the state domesticated animal of Wisconsin in 1971. The dairy industry has been important to Wisconsin's economy and heritage.
Wyoming Bison
WY designated the American buffalo as official state mammal in 1985. A bull can weigh over 1800 lbs & stand 6’ tall at the shoulder. They roamed the American prairie by tens of millions were a way of life for the plains Indians. They were hunted to the brink of extinction - estimated that 300 - 500 remained when the federal government passed stricter game laws in 1889. The bison is an inseparable part of American history; no other wild animal has played such a significant role in human affairs. Also a state symbol of KS and OK.
United States Bald Eagle
The American bald eagle (Haliaeetus Leucocephalus) was adopted as the official emblem of the USA in 1782. Chosen because of it's beauty, strength, long life, & because it's native to North America. In wild, one will live 30-35 yrs (50 yrs in captivity). They fly up to 30 miles an hour and can dive at 100 miles an hour. Eagles feed primarily on fish, supplemented by small mammals, waterfowl, and carrion.