Iowa State Bird

What Is the Official State Bird of Iowa?

The official bird of Iowa, a state known for its rolling fields and open plains, is the American Goldfinch. This is a small, yellow bird that looks a bit like a canary. The bird is known for staying in Iowa even during the cold winters. The reputation precedes it, and it played a major role in getting the American Goldfinch a slot as the official state bird.

Why Did Iowa Pick the American Goldfinch?

There are a handful of reasons why Iowa decided to pick the American Goldfinch to next the official state bird, but it is a matter of loyalty. There are a lot of birds that live in Iowa, but many of them leave the state during the winter in search of colder weather. The American Goldfinch is one of the few birds that does they do that, and the loyalty is one of the biggest reasons why the state decided to pick the American Goldfinch. Eventually, when it was time for Iowa to pick a state bird, people remembered the loyalty of the American Goldfinch, and the legislature made it official.

Another reason why Iowa picked the American Goldfinch to be the official bird is that it feeds on common allergens, helping those who suffer from chronic respiratory conditions, such as allergies and asthma. The bird feeds on dandelion and ragweed, among other things.

When Did Iowa Pick the American Goldfinch?

Iowa picked the American Goldfinch to be the state bird in 1933. The state nominated the American Goldfinch to the legislature that year, similar to other states, and it was made official. There are a few other states that have the American Goldfinch as an official bird, such as New Jersey and Washington.

What Is the American Goldfinch Like?

The dominant feature of the American Goldfinch is the bright yellow color, which people can see from a long way away. Both the male and the female have this dominant yellow appearance, but there are a few differences between them. The female has a tail that has an olive color to it. During the winter, the male will actually change his plumage to match that of the female, making it harder to tell the two birds apart. In addition, the male American Goldfinch tends to have white legs, while the female does not. Both birds will grow to about four inches in size.

The American Goldfinch is also a very social bird. The bird tend to search for food together. The male and female will search for food with a mate, or they will look for food as a part of a larger flock. The birds are most active during the day. They can be heard singing from the treetops, or they can be spotted on the ground looking for seeds. Unlike other birds, the American Goldfinch does not migrate south for the winter. They stay in Iowa even when the temperature gets colder and winter precipitation arrives.

Iowa state bird
Name
Eastern goldfinch (American goldfinch)
Scientific Name
Spinus tristis
Size
small
Year Became Official
1933

Iowa State Bird