10,000 Birds

APRIL 14, 2015

Florida is one of America’s great avian hot spots, renowned for its impressive bird diversity. Perhaps it was their relative rarity, compared to now, combined with their varied songs that prompted the Florida legislature to vote in this widespread species. Why not choose an iconic bird that could use a little extra protection?

Florida 177

Florida Arkansas Legislature Mississippi 177

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

The legislature named the goldfinch the state bird in 1935 , sharing the designation with Washington and Iowa. In fact, it is their reliance on seeds that actually protects them against Brown-headed Cowbirds , the famous parasitic nesters. Unlike many other songbirds, these goldfinches subsist entirely on a vegetarian, seed-based diet.

New Jersey 150

New Jersey United States Legislature Iowa 150

10,000 Birds

MARCH 22, 2016

Baltimore Orioles spend their winters in Florida, Central, and South America, and migrate north to breed in much of the Eastern United States. In 1882 the legislature passed special provisions to protect the bird, decades before the passage of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. .”

Maryland 114

Maryland Baltimore United States Legislature 114

10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 23, 2016

Still, it’s not hard to see why the Colorado legislature couldn’t resist the Lark Bunting when they named it the official state bird in 1931: they are absolutely striking. ” As with other at-risk birds, state designation gives added publicity to environmental problems behind a species’ decline.

Colorado 108

Colorado Legislature Arizona North America 108