States That Share Texas's State Bird: The Northern Cardinal

The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)—with its brilliant red plumage and distinctive crest—holds the honor of state bird in seven states besides Texas, making it one of the most popular avian symbols in the U.S.

States with the Northern Cardinal as State Bird

• Illinois (1929)
• Indiana (1933)
• Kentucky (1926)
• North Carolina (1943)
• Ohio (1933)
• Virginia (1950)
• West Virginia (1949)

Why the Cardinal?

Native to the eastern and central U.S., the cardinal is a year-round resident in all these states. Its bold color, clear song, and adaptability to backyards and woodlands alike made it a natural choice for legislators seeking a recognizable, beloved symbol.

Texas adopted the cardinal in 1927, joining a regional cluster of states that celebrate this iconic songbird.