The HERMIT THRUSH is the state bird of Vermont. They will sometimes forage by "foot quivering," where they shake bits of grass with their feet to get insects.
The LARK BUNTING is the state bird of Colorado. The male of this species is the only one of the sparrow family that completely changes its plumage from distinctive colors in the breeding season to plain winter colors.
The MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD is the state bird of Idaho and Nevada. It is considered a sacred symbol by many Native Americans of the southwest due to its azure-colored feathers.
The NENE is the state bird of Hawaii. The Nene is the rarest goose in the world. It is endemic to Hawaii, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world in the wild.
The NORTHERN CARDINAL is the state bird of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia. They were once prized as a pet, but their sale as a cage bird was banned in the United States by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.
The NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD is the state bird of Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. Both females and males sing a varied, repetitive song that can be heard all day (and sometimes all night) during the spring and summer.
The PURPLE FINCH is the state bird of New Hampshire. There was a time when Purple Finches were kept as caged birds because of their pleasing song.
The RHODE ISLAND RED is the state bird of Rhode Island. Rhode Island Reds are one of the best egg-laying breeds producing anywhere between 250-300 medium to large-sized light brown eggs per year.
The RING-NECKED PHEASANT is the state bird of South Dakota. Native to Asia, they were brought over by a farmer named Martin R. Smith in 1881, the birds were released in Oregon as part of an effort to establish a game bird population for hunting.
The RUFFED GROUSE is the state bird of Pennsylvania. The ruffed grouse will maintain trails through the underbrush and pines like other forest creatures.
The SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER is the state bird of Oklahoma. Males sometimes twist their tails together and fence with each other.
The WESTERN MEADOWLARK is the state bird of Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wyoming and Oregon. They are known for their "broken-wing display". If a predator gets too close to their nest, the adult bird might pretend to have a broken wing. This tricks the predator into chasing the adult bird away from the nest, keeping the chicks safe.
The WILLOW GOLDFINCH is the state bird of Washington. The Willow Goldfinch forages in flocks and is particularly adept at feeding while perched on the seed heads of flowers or in shrubs.
The WILLOW PTARMIGAN is the state bird of Alaska. They are the biggest of the three species of ptarmigan. During winter, they rest with their eyes closed to avoid detection by predators.
The YELLOWHAMMER is the state bird of Alabama. The yellowhammer uses its long, barbed tongue to capture big quantities of ants. The yellowhammer is also known to sit on an anthill and allow the ants to crawl over its wings. Scientists believe the acid secreted by the ants may help control parasites.
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor stedman before going online.
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