{"id":56830,"date":"2023-03-29T10:08:27","date_gmt":"2023-03-29T14:08:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/?p=56830"},"modified":"2023-04-10T16:53:15","modified_gmt":"2023-04-10T20:53:15","slug":"can-ebird-help-choose-better-state-birds-part-2-robins-chickadees-goldfinches-and-bluebirds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/can-ebird-help-choose-better-state-birds-part-2-robins-chickadees-goldfinches-and-bluebirds\/","title":{"rendered":"Can eBird Help Choose Better State Birds? Part 2: Robins, Chickadees, Goldfinches, and Bluebirds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"816\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/American_Robin-Joel_Eckerson-319238541-1280x816.jpg\" alt=\"A black\/gray bird with a russet red breast and yellow bill stands in the wet grass.\" class=\"wp-image-56446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/American_Robin-Joel_Eckerson-319238541-1280x816.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/American_Robin-Joel_Eckerson-319238541-720x459.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/American_Robin-Joel_Eckerson-319238541-768x489.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/American_Robin-Joel_Eckerson-319238541-480x306.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/American_Robin-Joel_Eckerson-319238541.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>American Robin by <a href=\"https:\/\/macaulaylibrary.org\/asset\/319238541\">Joel Eckerson\/Macaulay Library<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"toc-link\">From the Spring 2023 issue of Living Bird magazine. <a href=\"https:\/\/join.birds.cornell.edu\/page\/14522\/donate\/1\">Subscribe now<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group sidebar-alignright order-bottom\"><div class=\"article-list list-style\"><h2 class=\"article-list-header\">More From Living Bird<\/h2><ul><li class=\"article-item\"><div class=\"article-item-container\"><div class=\"article-item-media  content-living-bird-toc\" data-link-to=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/living-bird-spring-2023-table-of-contents\/\"><figure class=\"article-item-media-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/TOCBanner-Resplendent_Quetzel-Jong-FI.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/TOCBanner-Resplendent_Quetzel-Jong-FI-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/TOCBanner-Resplendent_Quetzel-Jong-FI-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/TOCBanner-Resplendent_Quetzel-Jong-FI-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/TOCBanner-Resplendent_Quetzel-Jong-FI-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/TOCBanner-Resplendent_Quetzel-Jong-FI.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"article-item-body\"><a class=\"article-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/living-bird-spring-2023-table-of-contents\/\"><span class=\"article-item-header\">Living Bird Spring 2023\u2014Table Of Contents<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"article-item\"><div class=\"article-item-container\"><div class=\"article-item-media  content-living-bird-toc\" data-link-to=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/living-bird-spring-2026-table-of-contents\/\"><figure class=\"article-item-media-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/living-bird-latest.png\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/living-bird-latest.png 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/living-bird-latest-240x180.png 240w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/living-bird-latest-480x360.png 480w\" sizes=\"\" alt=\"Living Bird-latest issue\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"article-item-body\"><a class=\"article-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/living-bird-spring-2026-table-of-contents\/\"><span class=\"article-item-header\">Living Bird Magazine\u2014Latest Issue<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"article-item\"><div class=\"article-item-container\"><div class=\"article-item-media  content-article\" data-link-to=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/living-bird-magazine-archives\/\"><figure class=\"article-item-media-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/living-bird-acrhive.png\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/living-bird-acrhive.png 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/living-bird-acrhive-240x180.png 240w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/living-bird-acrhive-480x360.png 480w\" sizes=\"\" alt=\"Living Bird archives\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"article-item-body\"><a class=\"article-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/living-bird-magazine-archives\/\"><span class=\"article-item-header\">Living Bird Magazine Archives<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>This is Part 2 of our reevaluation of state and provincial birds, a light-hearted project using eBird analyses. On the whole, the current slat<em>e of official birds includes some fine choices\u2014some of them just seem a bit random. It got us wondering which birds have the deepest connection to their state or province, in a biogeographical sense\u2014so we used <a href=\"https:\/\/science.ebird.org\/en\/status-and-trends\">eBird Status and Trends<\/a> models to do just that. See more<a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/a-modest-proposal-can-ebird-help-choose-better-state-birds-part-1\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"56828\"> details about our process in Part 1<\/a>.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An astounding 30 U.S. states share their bird with at least one other state. Others have chosen exotic species (such as South Dakota&#8217;s Ring-necked Pheasant), or even domestic chickens (like the Rhode Island Red). <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"article-list alignright right list-style card-four \"><h2 class=\"article-list-header\">More State Bird Suggestions<\/h2><ul><li class=\"article-item\"><div class=\"article-item-container\"><div class=\"article-item-media  content-article\" data-link-to=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/a-modest-proposal-can-ebird-help-choose-better-state-birds-part-1\/\"><figure class=\"article-item-media-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/State-Cardinal-blue-FI.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/State-Cardinal-blue-FI-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/State-Cardinal-blue-FI-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/State-Cardinal-blue-FI-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/State-Cardinal-blue-FI-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/State-Cardinal-blue-FI.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"article-item-body\"><a class=\"article-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/a-modest-proposal-can-ebird-help-choose-better-state-birds-part-1\/\"><span class=\"article-item-header\">A Modest Proposal: Can eBird Help Choose Better State Birds? [Part 1]<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"article-item\"><div class=\"article-item-container\"><div class=\"article-item-media  content-article\" data-link-to=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/can-ebird-help-choose-better-state-birds-part-2-robins-chickadees-goldfinches-and-bluebirds\/\"><figure class=\"article-item-media-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/american-robin-American_Robin-Joel_Eckerson-319238541-1.33.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/american-robin-American_Robin-Joel_Eckerson-319238541-1.33-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/american-robin-American_Robin-Joel_Eckerson-319238541-1.33-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/american-robin-American_Robin-Joel_Eckerson-319238541-1.33-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/american-robin-American_Robin-Joel_Eckerson-319238541-1.33-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/american-robin-American_Robin-Joel_Eckerson-319238541-1.33.jpg 1075w\" sizes=\"\" alt=\"A robin stands on a lawn\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"article-item-body\"><a class=\"article-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/can-ebird-help-choose-better-state-birds-part-2-robins-chickadees-goldfinches-and-bluebirds\/\"><span class=\"article-item-header\">Can eBird Help Choose Better State Birds? Part 2: Robins, Chickadees, Goldfinches, and Bluebirds<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"article-item\"><div class=\"article-item-container\"><div class=\"article-item-media  content-article\" data-link-to=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/can-ebird-help-choose-better-state-birds-part-3-birds-that-mostly-dont-live-in-their-state\/\"><figure class=\"article-item-media-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Scarlet-Tanager_Ryan-Sanderson_236058291-FI.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Scarlet-Tanager_Ryan-Sanderson_236058291-FI-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Scarlet-Tanager_Ryan-Sanderson_236058291-FI-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Scarlet-Tanager_Ryan-Sanderson_236058291-FI-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Scarlet-Tanager_Ryan-Sanderson_236058291-FI-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Scarlet-Tanager_Ryan-Sanderson_236058291-FI.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"article-item-body\"><a class=\"article-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/can-ebird-help-choose-better-state-birds-part-3-birds-that-mostly-dont-live-in-their-state\/\"><span class=\"article-item-header\">Can eBird Help Choose Better State Birds? Part 3: Birds That Mostly Don&#8217;t Live in Their State<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"article-item\"><div class=\"article-item-container\"><div class=\"article-item-media  content-article\" data-link-to=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/can-ebird-help-choose-better-state-birds-part-4-native-species-and-a-few-surprises\/\"><figure class=\"article-item-media-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yellow-billed_Magpie-Gail_West-541781261-FI.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yellow-billed_Magpie-Gail_West-541781261-FI-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yellow-billed_Magpie-Gail_West-541781261-FI-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yellow-billed_Magpie-Gail_West-541781261-FI-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yellow-billed_Magpie-Gail_West-541781261-FI-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Yellow-billed_Magpie-Gail_West-541781261-FI.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"article-item-body\"><a class=\"article-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/can-ebird-help-choose-better-state-birds-part-4-native-species-and-a-few-surprises\/\"><span class=\"article-item-header\">Can eBird Help Choose Better State Birds? Part 4: Native Species and a Few Surprises<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"article-item\"><div class=\"article-item-container\"><div class=\"article-item-media  content-article\" data-link-to=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/can-ebird-help-canada-choose-better-provincial-birds\/\"><figure class=\"article-item-media-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Rock_Ptarmigan-Blair_Dudeck-334175451-Snow_Goose-Brad_Imhoff-290513161-FI.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Rock_Ptarmigan-Blair_Dudeck-334175451-Snow_Goose-Brad_Imhoff-290513161-FI-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Rock_Ptarmigan-Blair_Dudeck-334175451-Snow_Goose-Brad_Imhoff-290513161-FI-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Rock_Ptarmigan-Blair_Dudeck-334175451-Snow_Goose-Brad_Imhoff-290513161-FI-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Rock_Ptarmigan-Blair_Dudeck-334175451-Snow_Goose-Brad_Imhoff-290513161-FI-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Rock_Ptarmigan-Blair_Dudeck-334175451-Snow_Goose-Brad_Imhoff-290513161-FI.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"\" alt=\"Bird on left is a plump, white bird with dark speckles and a red eyebrow, bird on the right is a white goose with black tips of the wings and a pink-orange bill and legs.\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"article-item-body\"><a class=\"article-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/can-ebird-help-canada-choose-better-provincial-birds\/\"><span class=\"article-item-header\">Can eBird Help Canada Choose Better Provincial Birds?<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<p>We have to ask: Couldn&#8217;t the choices be a little more inspired? So we turned to the <a href=\"https:\/\/science.ebird.org\/en\/status-and-trends\">eBird Status and Trends<\/a> project to look for alternatives that highlight some of the unique connections between states and the birds that live there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this installment, we&#8217;re revisiting the American Robin, American Goldfinch, Black-capped Chickadee, and two bluebird species. Together, these birds serve as state birds for a total of 12 states. They&#8217;re beautiful, they sing sweet songs, and they&#8217;re familiar to many people. But let&#8217;s take a moment to explore some lesser known birds that may have a stronger claim to represent each of those states. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting Off the Lawn: Three Alternatives for American robin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>American Robins occur all the way from Alaska to Mexico. With their bright colors, cheery songs, and proclivity for feeding on lawns, it&#8217;s almost a surprise that &#8220;only&#8221; three states\u2014Connecticut, Michigan, and Wisconsin\u2014claim them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Michigan the idea of recognizing a different state bird has gained some traction. In September 2022, state representative Greg Markkanen introduced a bill to change the state bird to Kirtland\u2019s Warbler, an iconic bird of the Great Lakes State that nests almost exclusively in its jack pine forests. The Kirtland\u2019s Warbler was on the brink of extinction in the 1980s, but rebounded through decades of conservation efforts and graduated off the federal Endangered Species list in 2019 (see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/jack-pine-juggernauts-what-will-happen-to-kirtlands-warblers-after-delisting\/\">Jack Pine Juggernauts<\/a> from <em>Living Bird<\/em>, Summer 2017). \u201cIt\u2019s a unique Michigan success story,\u201d Markkanen told NPR News. He thinks Michiganders will get behind his bill to make Kirtland\u2019s Warbler the new state bird, but he also admitted to getting pushback from American Robin defenders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Connecticut and Wisconsin both have good options, too:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/BewState2-BLue-winged_Warbler-Luke_Seitz-100808211-1280x853.jpg\" alt=\"A yellow bird wit grayish wings with white wing bars and a small black mask sings while perching on a thorny branch.\" class=\"wp-image-56448\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/BewState2-BLue-winged_Warbler-Luke_Seitz-100808211-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/BewState2-BLue-winged_Warbler-Luke_Seitz-100808211-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/BewState2-BLue-winged_Warbler-Luke_Seitz-100808211-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/BewState2-BLue-winged_Warbler-Luke_Seitz-100808211-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/BewState2-BLue-winged_Warbler-Luke_Seitz-100808211.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">How about Blue-winged Warbler for Connecticut? These <em>beee-buzzz<\/em>ing warblers reach their highest breeding population density here. Sadly, Connecticut Warbler is not a great option, as the species neither breeds nor winters in Connecticut. <em>Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/macaulaylibrary.org\/asset\/100808211\">Luke Seitz\/Macaulay Library<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState2-Rose-breasted_Grosbeak-Deborah_Bifulco-56431931-1280x853.jpg\" alt=\"A black-and-white bird with a large pale triangular bill and bright red triangle marking in its breast stands on a branch.\" class=\"wp-image-56447\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState2-Rose-breasted_Grosbeak-Deborah_Bifulco-56431931-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState2-Rose-breasted_Grosbeak-Deborah_Bifulco-56431931-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState2-Rose-breasted_Grosbeak-Deborah_Bifulco-56431931-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState2-Rose-breasted_Grosbeak-Deborah_Bifulco-56431931-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState2-Rose-breasted_Grosbeak-Deborah_Bifulco-56431931.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">With its dashing good looks and sweet song, it&#8217;s surprising that Rose-breasted Grosbeak is not already a state bird. And Wisconsin has the strongest claim, with more breeding Rose-breasted Grosbeaks than any other state\u201412.6% of the global population. <em>Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/macaulaylibrary.org\/asset\/56431931\">Deborah Bifulco\/Macaulay Library<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/NewState2-Kirtlands_Warbler-Bryan_Calk-172021361-B-1280x853.jpg\" alt=\"A small bird with a yellow stomach and throat, gray head, black mask, white eye-ring and stripy gray and black wings stands in an evergreen tree.\" class=\"wp-image-57398\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/NewState2-Kirtlands_Warbler-Bryan_Calk-172021361-B-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/NewState2-Kirtlands_Warbler-Bryan_Calk-172021361-B-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/NewState2-Kirtlands_Warbler-Bryan_Calk-172021361-B-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/NewState2-Kirtlands_Warbler-Bryan_Calk-172021361-B-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/NewState2-Kirtlands_Warbler-Bryan_Calk-172021361-B.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Michigan is the stronghold of the formerly endangered Kirtland&#8217;s Warbler, with 98.5% of the global breeding population. <em>Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/macaulaylibrary.org\/asset\/172021361\">Bryan Calk\/Macaulay Library<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"816\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Black-capped-Chickadee_Jim-Merritt_184717491-1280x816.jpg\" alt=\"A rounded bird with a beige stomach, gray and white stripped wings and tail, black cap and chin, white sides of face, perched on a branch.\" class=\"wp-image-56493\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Black-capped-Chickadee_Jim-Merritt_184717491-1280x816.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Black-capped-Chickadee_Jim-Merritt_184717491-720x459.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Black-capped-Chickadee_Jim-Merritt_184717491-768x489.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Black-capped-Chickadee_Jim-Merritt_184717491-480x306.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Black-capped-Chickadee_Jim-Merritt_184717491.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Black-capped Chickadee by <a href=\"https:\/\/macaulaylibrary.org\/asset\/184717491\">Jim Merritt\/Macaulay Library<\/a><\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chickadees, Warblers, or Plovers in the Northeast?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Chickadees are another popular favorite, and they&#8217;re the state bird of both Maine and Massachusetts. However, Maine still hasn&#8217;t officially settled on a single species: Since 1927 they&#8217;ve had a nonspecific \u201cchickadee\u201d as their state bird, while both Black-capped and Boreal Chickadees occur across large swaths of the state. In 2019, Maine state representative Betty Austin prodded the state legislature to make a decision, with legislation that read: \u201cThis bill proposes to specify the Black-capped or the Boreal Chickadee as state bird.\u201d The effort died in committee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fortunately, eBird offers a solution to this political stalemate, with the following suggestions for both Maine and Massachusetts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState5-Maine_Black-throated-Green-Warbler_Alicia-Ambers_454366001-1280x853.jpg\" alt=\"A bird with a black and white striped body, a yellow head with gray\/green face markings, sings on a branch.\" class=\"wp-image-56495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState5-Maine_Black-throated-Green-Warbler_Alicia-Ambers_454366001-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState5-Maine_Black-throated-Green-Warbler_Alicia-Ambers_454366001-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState5-Maine_Black-throated-Green-Warbler_Alicia-Ambers_454366001-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState5-Maine_Black-throated-Green-Warbler_Alicia-Ambers_454366001-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState5-Maine_Black-throated-Green-Warbler_Alicia-Ambers_454366001.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Maine is the U.S. state where you&#8217;ll find the highest breeding population density of the Black-throated Green Warbler. As a bonus, it&#8217;s a gorgeous, gold-accented bird with a buzzy, instantly recognizable song. <em>Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/macaulaylibrary.org\/asset\/454366001\">Alicia Ambers\/Macaulay Library<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState5-Massachusetts_Piping-Plover_Sam-Zhang_342757991-1280x853.jpg\" alt=\"A bird with a white stomach and neck, beige back and head, black stripe on neck, orange legs and bill, with a black tip on the bill.\" class=\"wp-image-56494\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState5-Massachusetts_Piping-Plover_Sam-Zhang_342757991-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState5-Massachusetts_Piping-Plover_Sam-Zhang_342757991-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState5-Massachusetts_Piping-Plover_Sam-Zhang_342757991-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState5-Massachusetts_Piping-Plover_Sam-Zhang_342757991-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState5-Massachusetts_Piping-Plover_Sam-Zhang_342757991.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Doesn&#8217;t it make sense for the Bay State to have a beach bird as its state bird? How about the tubby, adorable Piping Plover, with 15.6% of the global population breeding in Massachusetts (the highest of any state)? <em><a href=\"https:\/\/macaulaylibrary.org\/asset\/342757991\">Photo by Sam Zhang\/Macaulay Library<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:23px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"816\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/American_Goldfinch-Yves_Darveau-165115601-1-1280x816.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-56503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/American_Goldfinch-Yves_Darveau-165115601-1-1280x816.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/American_Goldfinch-Yves_Darveau-165115601-1-720x459.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/American_Goldfinch-Yves_Darveau-165115601-1-768x489.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/American_Goldfinch-Yves_Darveau-165115601-1-480x306.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/American_Goldfinch-Yves_Darveau-165115601-1.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>American Goldfinch by <a href=\"https:\/\/macaulaylibrary.org\/asset\/165115601\">Yves Darveau\/Macaulay Library.<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">All That Glitters Is Not (Necessarily) a Goldfinch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>American Goldfinches bring a gorgeous splash of yellow and cheerful song across North America. They live in overgrown, weedy habitats where there are plants for food\u2014this bird is one of the strictest vegetarians in the bird world\u2014and shrubs and trees for nesting. You&#8217;ll often spot goldfinches brightening up backyard feeders, and perhaps it&#8217;s the good cheer this little bird brings that has made it an icon of Iowa, New Jersey, and Washington. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We went panning for gold in the eBird data, and found these well-hidden but priceless nuggets that could serve well as goldfinch alternatives:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState6-Iowa_Henslows-Sparrow_Adam-Brandemihl_61065061-1280x853.jpg\" alt=\"A mostly brown and beige streaked bird, with tones of yellow and russet, perches on a reed.\" class=\"wp-image-56501\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState6-Iowa_Henslows-Sparrow_Adam-Brandemihl_61065061-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState6-Iowa_Henslows-Sparrow_Adam-Brandemihl_61065061-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState6-Iowa_Henslows-Sparrow_Adam-Brandemihl_61065061-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState6-Iowa_Henslows-Sparrow_Adam-Brandemihl_61065061-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState6-Iowa_Henslows-Sparrow_Adam-Brandemihl_61065061.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Whether hiding in the tall grass or singing one of the shortest songs imaginable, Henslow&#8217;s Sparrows are a natural fit for Iowa. The highest breeding density in the U.S. is in Iowa, and 22.4% of the global population breeds here. <em>Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/macaulaylibrary.org\/asset\/61065061\">Matt Misewicz\/Macaulay Library<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState6-New-Jersey_Clapper-Rail_Evan-Lipton_59646541-1280x853.jpg\" alt=\"A brown\/gray bird with a long, orange bill and long legs, walks on a rock.\" class=\"wp-image-56502\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState6-New-Jersey_Clapper-Rail_Evan-Lipton_59646541-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState6-New-Jersey_Clapper-Rail_Evan-Lipton_59646541-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState6-New-Jersey_Clapper-Rail_Evan-Lipton_59646541-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState6-New-Jersey_Clapper-Rail_Evan-Lipton_59646541-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState6-New-Jersey_Clapper-Rail_Evan-Lipton_59646541.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Another skulker\u2014and a real treat to see and hear\u2014is the Clapper Rail. This secretive bird reaches its highest breeding density in New Jersey&#8217;s saltmarshes, where 7.6% of the global population of Clapper Rail breeds. <em>Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/macaulaylibrary.org\/asset\/59646541\">Evan Lipton\/Macaulay Library<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState6-Washington_Varied-Thrush_Blair-Dudeck_398483201-1280x853.jpg\" alt=\"A black and orange bird perched on a lichen-covered branch.\" class=\"wp-image-56500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState6-Washington_Varied-Thrush_Blair-Dudeck_398483201-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState6-Washington_Varied-Thrush_Blair-Dudeck_398483201-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState6-Washington_Varied-Thrush_Blair-Dudeck_398483201-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState6-Washington_Varied-Thrush_Blair-Dudeck_398483201-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState6-Washington_Varied-Thrush_Blair-Dudeck_398483201.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">With a chest the color of a sunset and a voice like an otherworldly flute, the Varied Thrush is an icon of Washington&#8217;s dark evergreen forests. They are resident all year in Washington, and 24% of the global population overwinters here. <em>Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/macaulaylibrary.org\/asset\/398483201\">Blair Dudeck\/Macaulay Library<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:17px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"816\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Eastern-Bluebird_Brad-Imhoff_521349831-1280x816.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-56511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Eastern-Bluebird_Brad-Imhoff_521349831-1280x816.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Eastern-Bluebird_Brad-Imhoff_521349831-720x459.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Eastern-Bluebird_Brad-Imhoff_521349831-768x489.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Eastern-Bluebird_Brad-Imhoff_521349831-480x306.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Eastern-Bluebird_Brad-Imhoff_521349831.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Eastern Bluebird by <a href=\"https:\/\/macaulaylibrary.org\/asset\/521349831\">Brad Imhoff\/Macaulay Library<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Could These Four States Be Happy Without their Bluebird of Happiness?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s hard to criticize any state&#8217;s choice of a bluebird as state bird, with their brilliant blue plumage and comforting presence in fields, fencelines, and nest boxes. Four states honor bluebirds: Idaho and Nevada claim the Mountain Bluebird; Missouri and New York have the Eastern Bluebird. At the same time, each of these states has strong connections to other, just-as-spectacular birds that are just a little bit off the radar. eBird helped us uncover them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, Idaho might not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking of hummingbirds. But the state boasts the highest proportion of Calliope Hummingbird breeding population of anyplace in the world. Idaho-based eBird reviewer Charles Swift says using that rationale to change the state\u2019s official bird is an interesting idea, but he has other ideas: \u201cCalliope Hummingbird is a fine choice, but I think it will be pretty hard to dislodge the Mountain Bluebird. [It\u2019s] a pretty good state bird compared to a lot of other states.\u201d If his state were to make a switch, Swift says: \u201cIdaho birders might pick Cassia Crossbill since its breeding range is entirely in Idaho. &#8230; Another popular option would be the Prairie Falcon as it\u2019s an iconic species of Idaho\u2019s Snake River Plain.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState7-Calliope_Hummingbird-Marya_Moosman-49192871-1280x853.jpg\" alt=\"A little bird facing the camera with a white underside, greenish top of head, bright pink neck feathers and long bill, perches on a little branch.\" class=\"wp-image-56512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState7-Calliope_Hummingbird-Marya_Moosman-49192871-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState7-Calliope_Hummingbird-Marya_Moosman-49192871-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState7-Calliope_Hummingbird-Marya_Moosman-49192871-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState7-Calliope_Hummingbird-Marya_Moosman-49192871-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState7-Calliope_Hummingbird-Marya_Moosman-49192871.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">During summer, Idaho is home to more Calliope Hummingbirds than any other state\u201429% of the global breeding population. Plus, it&#8217;s the U.S.&#8217;s smallest hummingbird with a throat that looks like glowing purple organ pipes. What&#8217;s not to like? <em>Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/macaulaylibrary.org\/asset\/49192871\">Marya Moosman\/Macaulay Library<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState7-Missouri_Red-headed-Woodpecker_Tanner-Martin_93281491-1280x853.jpg\" alt=\"Black-and-white bird with red head clinging onto a tree.\" class=\"wp-image-56513\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState7-Missouri_Red-headed-Woodpecker_Tanner-Martin_93281491-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState7-Missouri_Red-headed-Woodpecker_Tanner-Martin_93281491-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState7-Missouri_Red-headed-Woodpecker_Tanner-Martin_93281491-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState7-Missouri_Red-headed-Woodpecker_Tanner-Martin_93281491-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState7-Missouri_Red-headed-Woodpecker_Tanner-Martin_93281491.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Missouri is the winter home of 18.5% of the global population of the absolutely spectacular Red-headed Woodpecker.<em> Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/macaulaylibrary.org\/asset\/93281491\">Tanner Martin\/Macaulay Library<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState7-Nevada_Sagebrush-Sparrow_Aidan-Brubaker_467347171-1280x853.jpg\" alt=\"A brown and gray bird with a long tail perches on a branch.\" class=\"wp-image-56514\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState7-Nevada_Sagebrush-Sparrow_Aidan-Brubaker_467347171-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState7-Nevada_Sagebrush-Sparrow_Aidan-Brubaker_467347171-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState7-Nevada_Sagebrush-Sparrow_Aidan-Brubaker_467347171-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState7-Nevada_Sagebrush-Sparrow_Aidan-Brubaker_467347171-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState7-Nevada_Sagebrush-Sparrow_Aidan-Brubaker_467347171.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A dapper sparrow that enlivens Nevada&#8217;s wide-open spaces, the Sagebrush Sparrow is virtually synonymous with sagebrush steppe habitat. And 41% of the global population breeds in Nevada, the highest of any state. <em>Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/macaulaylibrary.org\/asset\/467347171\">Aidan Brubaker\/Macaulay Library<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState7-Peregrine_Falcon-Simon_dEntremont-74268551-1280x853.jpg\" alt=\"A gray bird with brown-and-white speckled underside and yellow feet, eyering, and base of sharp bill, flying with a blue sky.\" class=\"wp-image-56515\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState7-Peregrine_Falcon-Simon_dEntremont-74268551-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState7-Peregrine_Falcon-Simon_dEntremont-74268551-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState7-Peregrine_Falcon-Simon_dEntremont-74268551-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState7-Peregrine_Falcon-Simon_dEntremont-74268551-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NewState7-Peregrine_Falcon-Simon_dEntremont-74268551.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">New York City hosts the densest breeding population of Peregrine Falcons in the world, and peregrines have been seen in every county of the state. <em>Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/macaulaylibrary.org\/asset\/74268551\">Simon d&#8217;Entremont\/Macaulay Library<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Matt Smith is an applications programmer for the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Smith conceptualized this story while playing with eBird data as a hobby. Marc Devokaitis is the associate editor of <\/em>Living Bird <em>magazine<\/em>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We took a dive into eBird data to find some spectacular but unsung state-bird alternatives.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":57268,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_tec_requires_first_save":true,"_birdpress_living_bird_toc":56652,"_birdpress_living_bird_toc_title":"Living Bird Spring 2023&mdash;Table Of Contents","_birdpress_featured_image":false,"_birdpress_hero_toggle":false,"_birdpress_hero_type":"image","_birdpress_hero_image_type":"image","_birdpress_hero_style":"default","_birdpress_hero_ratio":"","_birdpress_hero_h1":"","_birdpress_hero_media_id":0,"_birdpress_hero_media_array_id":[],"_birdpress_hero_media_array":[],"_birdpress_hero_media":0,"_birdpress_hero_video_id":0,"_birdpress_hero_video":0,"_birdpress_hero_youtube":"","_birdpress_hero_content":true,"_birdpress_hero_byline":"By Matt Smith and Marc Devokaitis","_birdpress_hero_byline_bottom":"","_birdpress_hero_button_link":"","_birdpress_hero_button_text":"","_birdpress_hero_button_color":"","_birdpress_hero_date":false,"original_guid":"","_birdpress_hide_search":false,"_birdpress_page_width":"","_birdpress_global_cta":false,"_birdpress_widget_sidebar":"","_birdpress_next_article":56832,"_birdpress_next_article_title":"Can eBird Help Us Get Better State Birds? 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