The Indiana state bird is the Northern Cardinal, commonly known as the red bird. Cardinals are prevalent in the Northern states, and six other states share the honor of having the cardinal as their official state bird.

Adoption of the Indiana State Bird

The Northern Cardinal became the Indiana state bird on March 2, 1933, as proposed by Senate Bill No. 160. The Act of the Indiana General Assembly of the State of Indiana named this red bird as the official bird of the state. One reason the cardinal was chosen is because it is a popular bird that lives in Indiana year round (they do not migrate) and they are America's favorite back yard birds.

Description of the Indiana State Bird

Knowing that the Indiana state bird is the Northern Cardinal may be all the information you need to get a mental picture of what the bird looks like. They are the most easily recognized birds in the Northern states. One reason is that they do not migrate and they can be easily viewed in the barren trees of winter, especially against a snowy white background. The other reason is their rare appearance. Male cardinals are bright red with a red crest, while female cardinals are more of a tan color with some red feathers on their wings, tail and crest. The cardinal's beak may also give them away. They have a heavy beak that makes cracking open seeds a breeze, and its red beak coloring is quite distinctive.

Cardinal Behavior

The Indiana State bird is a non-migratory. In fact, most cardinals live and nest less than a mile from their birth place, which is normally at the edge of woodland areas. They can become aggressive and are territorial about their nests and bushes. They will even fight intruders to protect what is theirs. Man-made changes have made it easier for cardinals to survive in the colder climates.

Cardinals are also amazing song birds. The male uses his glorious bird call during mating season to attract the female cardinal. The female will often return the call and if you listen carefully you can sometimes hear them sing together in the sunny days of early spring.

Cardinals often depend on people to help feed them, especially during the colder months. You can help feed the Indiana state bird by setting up a bird feeder, maintaining a bird bath, and leaving fruit on tree branches for them.