What is the State Bird of Iowa?
Iowa has a rich and diverse bird population, but there is only one official state bird: the Eastern Goldfinch. Commonly known as “the wild canary”, this small finch species is one of the most cheerful birds in North America.
Description of the Eastern Goldfinch
The Eastern Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) is a member of the Fringillidae family, which includes many familiar finches like siskins and crossbills. It averages 4-5 inches long, with males having bright yellow bodies and black wings with white markings during breeding season. Females are duller overall, usually brownish-olive above with yellow below; both sexes have two white wing bars.
This species typically forages in flocks on weed seeds or other plant materials found near open fields or grassy areas throughout its range. They may also feed at thistle patches or gardens where sunflower seeds are offered as an attractant.
History of the Eastern Goldfinch as Iowa’s State Bird
The Eastern Goldfinch was designated as Iowa’s official state bird by Governor Robert Blue in 1933 after it had been selected by schoolchildren across the state through a poll sponsored by The Des Moines Register newspaper that year. In addition to being popular among residents because they were abundant statewide , some have suggested that its selection was related to its association with good luck–since gold coins were considered symbols of prosperity and success during this time period! As such, Iowans celebrated their new symbol not only for its beauty but also for bringing them hope for better days ahead when times seemed especially difficult during The Great Depression era .
