The Kentucky State bird is the Cardinal. Kentucky was the first state to adopt the cardinal as their state bird in 1926. Six states later followed suit and adopted the cardinal as well.
Characteristics of the Kentucky State Bird
The cardinal is more than just the Kentucky state bird. It is one of the most popular and favorite of the backyard birds of all the states. One reason for this is that the cardinal is easily recognized. You don't need to study a bird field guide to be able to spot this bright red bird with its red colored crest. It is distinct and it stands out in the dull colors of nature, especially in the winter when the trees are baron and the birds appear vibrant against a snowy white backdrop. This is when they are the most fun to watch. These birds are also associated with Christmas, and stuffed cardinal decorations and Christmas cards adorned with pictures of the delightful bird are always popular.
The cardinal is a beautiful songbird that is a type of finch. Their whistle also makes them easy to identify, even for the novice bird watcher -- they are incredible, amazing birds to watch, and the males are fairly easy to spot. Cardinals are flight birds, but they do not stay aloft for long periods of time. You are more likely to see them fluttering from branch to branch. It is easy to see them in the winter when the trees have lost their leaves. The Kentucky state bird does not migrate, but they do prefer milder temperatures. They nest in thick bushes and live in gardens, woodlands and backyard bushes. They have a tough beak that helps then crack seeds, and they also enjoy eating berries and some fruit.
Feeding Cardinals
Since the cardinal does not migrate and stays in the Northern states during the colder months of the year, they depend on people for some of their food. They thrive off of berry bushes, and get much of their seeds from bird feeders. They really enjoy when you leave fruit on the end of a tree branch for them to nibble. Some things you can do to help the Kentucky state bird is to leave out a small, flat container of fresh water and fill a platform bird feeder with black-oil sunflower seeds. This will help the Kentucky state bird get through the sometimes rough winters and thrive again in the warm spring weather.
