What Is the Washington State Bird?

New Jersey and Iowa are two states in which the American goldfinch is the state bird. Washington States, after much deliberation, also decided to make this species their bird symbol in 1951.

  1. History

    • In 1928, the legislature of Washington decided to name a state bird, putting the question before the schoolchildren of the state as to which it should be. The kids approved the western meadowlark for the position, but the lawmakers were hesitant to confirm the selection since Wyoming and neighboring Oregon recently had made the same bird their symbol.

    Time Frame

    • In 1931, the goldfinch edged out other species in another vote among schoolchildren sponsored by a women's organization. Finally, in 1951, the legislature held a contest with the meadowlark and goldfinch as the choices for state bird. The goldfinch won and the state designated it as its bird.

    Identification

    • The American goldfinch goes by such names as willow goldfinch and wild canary in Washington. The males are a bright and striking combination of yellow and black plumage, while the females possess a more toned-down olive and yellow appearance. The goldfinch grows to lengths of 5 inches and can have a wingspan of as much as 8.7 inches, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.