The cardinal became the state bird in Ohio and Indiana in the same year — 1933. Kentucky, North Carolina, West Virginia and Virginia followed suit in 1942, 1943, 1949 and 1950, respectively.

Starting in 1927, state birds began to be selected by states. The first states to adopt a state bird were Alabama, Florida, Maine, Missouri, Oregon, Texas and Wyoming.

The northern cardinal is Illinois’ state bird and is also the designated bird for several other states. The male cardinal boasts the red feathers the species is known for, while the female is ...

HB 4821: The New Official State Snake Illinois has plenty of official creatures, ranging from the northern cardinal (state bird) to the state animal (white-tailed deer) to even an official ...

Here's a look at a seven of them -- and how to look up the full list. The New Official State Snake Illinois has plenty of official creatures, ranging from the northern cardinal (state bird) to the ...