What Is Connecticut’s State Bird? How Was It Decided?

Last Updated on Jan 26 2023

Like the other states in the United States, Connecticut voted to determine its state bird. Connecticut’s state bird is the American Robin. The American Robin is also the state bird of Michigan and Wisconsin, showing just how popular this bird is in the continental United States.  

To learn more about how Connecticut voted on the American Robin as its state bird, keep reading. This article takes a close look at the history of the American Robin as Connecticut’s state bird and even offers some identification tips. Let’s get started.

What Is Connecticut’s State Bird?

Connecticut’s state bird is the American Robin. The name “Robin” is used to describe many birds. In the context of the American Robin, it is a migratory thrush that has a reddish-brown breast and a loud song. The American Robin can be seen all throughout North America from Virginia to Alaska.

Image Credit: tdfugere, Pixabay

When Did Connecticut Vote on the State Bird?

Connecticut voted on its first state bird in 1943 at the General Assembly. Since then, the American Robin has remained the state bird of Connecticut, and it isn’t looking to change anytime soon.

Other States Where the American Robin Is the State Bird

As we’ve already mentioned, American Robins can be found all over the United States. As a result, Connecticut is not the only state to have voted the American Robin as its official state bird. Michigan and Wisconsin also cite the American Robin as their state birds.

Which state voted on the American Robin first? Michigan was the first state to vote for the American Robin as its state bird in 1931. After that, Connecticut voted on the American Robin in 1943. Wisconsin was the last state to vote on the Robin in 1949.

The American Robin is not the only bird to belong to multiple states. In fact, there are many birds that belong to several states. The Northern Cardinal, for example, is the state bird of seven different states. Likewise, the Western Meadowlark is the state bird of six states, and the Northern Mockingbird is the state bird of five states.

Image Credit: Michael Siluk, Shutterstock

Identifying the American Robin

One of the first birds that birdwatching hobbyists learn to identify is the American Robin. The American Robin has a distinctive look and can be found in many locations. Additionally, the males and females look very similar, further making it easier to identify the species as a newbie.

Robins are larger than a chickadee but smaller than a crow. They are typically between 7.9–11 inches long with a wingspan of 12.2–15.8 inches. They have a grayish-brown color with orange underparts and dark heads. The heads are typically black on males but slightly paler on females. When in flight, you should be able to see a white patch on the bird’s lower belly and under the tail.

American Robins also have pretty unique personalities. You can see them practically everywhere, and they are much bolder than other birds. American Robins are known to frequent bird feeders and fly around humans for food.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the state bird of Connecticut is the American Robin, and Connecticut shares this bird with Wisconsin and Michigan. It’s no shock that three states claim the American Robin since this bird is so popular throughout the United States.

Because of how common these birds are, you shouldn’t have to look too hard to find one. Plus, their unique appearance makes them pretty easy to identify. Get out some binoculars, and you should be able to find a Robin in your area.

See also:

• What Is North Dakota’s State Bird?
• What Is Washington’s State Bird?
• What Is New York’s State Bird?

Featured Image Credit: Naturelady, Pixabay