The Illinois state bird in the northern Cardinal. Here are some fun facts to know about the Illinois state bird.

The Illinois State Bird

The Northern Cardinal represents the perfect bird for Illinois. One reason for this is they live in Illinois year round -- they do not migrate in winter months. The other reason is they are a popular and easily recognizable backyard bird. They do well in parks and backyard settings where they can rely on trees, bushes and bird feeders. Illinois isn't the only state to highlight this bird on their state flag though. The Northern Cardinal is the official state bird for seven states. Originally the bird was found more frequently in the Southern states, but it has travelled Northward from the Mississippi River up through Ohio and as far north as Canada.

Characteristics of the Illinois State Bird

The Northern Cardinal is known by its bright red appearance and the crest on its head. It got its name from the red robes that the Roman Catholic cardinals wear. It is approximately eight inches long with a wing span of 25-31 cm. The Northern Cardinal is an aggressive bird, yet it is also a song bird. The female will join the male in song from the tip of the highest tree branches. The male is easier to spot with his red and black feathers, red crest and short, round legs. He has a heavy conical bill that suits him well for cracking seeds. The female isn't as obvious with her grayish brown feathers and only a little red coloring through her tail, chest and wings.

Feeding the Northern Cardinal

The Illinois state bird mostly feeds off of seeds. They are also known to eat insects, especially in the cold winter months. Since they don't migrate to a warmer climate in the winter, they are dependent on bird feeders and the kindness of bird lovers to leave them little goodies in their yard.

How to Attract a Northern Cardinal

The Northern Cardinal will happily feast on fruits and seeds from your yard. They also enjoy mulberry bushes. They often nest is bushes too. One way to attract this Illinois state bird is to provide a bird feeder with black-oil sunflower seeds, a platform for nesting and eating, open areas with trees and bushes, drinking and bathing water and a thick hedge surrounding your yard. With the right conditions you can attract the Illinois state bird to your yard for an up-close view.