Wisconsin State Bird

Amerian Robin

(Turdus migratorius)

Adopted on June 4, 1949.

In 1926-27, Wisconsin school children voted to select a state bird. The robin, Turdus migratorius, received twice the votes given any other bird. Chapter 218, Laws of 1949, which created Section 1.10 of the statutes, officially made the robin the state bird.

Familiar in the summertime throughout North America, the American Robin is seen from Alaska to Virginia. Most people do not know that many Robins spend the entire winter in New England. They roost among the evergreens in the swamps where they feed on winter berries.

Description of the Wisconsin State Bird

Familiar in the summertime throughout North America, the American Robin is seen from Alaska to Virginia. Most people do not know that many Robins spend the entire winter in New England. They roost among the evergreens in the swamps where they feed on winter berries.

Identification

• Length: 8.5 inches
• Black to dark gray head
• Broken eye ring
• Dull red breast and belly
• White undertail coverts
• Gray upperparts
• Streaked throat
• Thin yellow bill
• Sexes similar-female somewhat paler
• Winter plumage is somewhat paler than Summer plumage
• Juveniles have spotted, whiter breasts
• Common in residential areas where it often forages on lawns
• Often sings very early in morning
• Often found in large flocks outside of breeding season

Statute

Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 1, Section 1.10.

CHAPTER 1. SOVEREIGNTY AND JURISDICTION OF THE STATE.
SECTION 1.10 State song, state ballad, state waltz, state dance, and state symbols.

1.10(3)(f)

(f) The robin (turdus migratorius) is the state bird.
 

Taxonomic Hierarchy of the Amerian Robin