What is the state bird of North Dakota?

The state bird of North Dakota is the Western Meadowlark. This bird was designated as the state bird in 1947, appreciated for its melodious song and distinctive yellow breast. The Western Meadowlark is commonly found in open fields and grasslands, which are abundant in North Dakota's rural landscapes, making it a fitting symbol of the state's natural environment and agricultural heritage. This bird's adaptability to prairie habitats and its role in the ecosystem highlight its significance in North Dakota's culture and identity.

In contrast, the American Robin, Cardinal, and Blue Jay, while they are all native to regions in North America, do not hold the same cultural or legislative significance in North Dakota as the Western Meadowlark does. This establishes the Western Meadowlark as a celebrated emblem of the state's wildlife and a reflection of its ecological diversity.