New Jersey State Bird

New Jersey State Bird

New Jersey was the third state to become a state of the US, on December 18 of the year 1787. The capital city of New Jersey is Trenton. The state is also known as the Garden State. So, you can imagine the variety of bird species flock here. Which bird species do you think ultimately became the state bird of New Jersey?

What Is The State Bird Of New Jersey?

Along with Iowa and Washington, New Jersey also decided on the Eastern Goldfinch or the American Goldfinch to be its state bird. This position was gifted to the yellow bird in 1935. Another name for the Eastern Goldfinch is the Wild Canary. The Eastern Goldfinch deems it safe to visit New Jersey during winter.

The American Goldfinch is a striking yellow color in plumage, with the male being much more bright than the female. The wings and tail of the male Goldfinches are dark black. As for the female, the wings and tail take on a browner shade.

  • American Goldfinch

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What Makes The State Bird Of New Jersey Unusual?

The yellow-colored plumage of the American Goldfinch is what makes the bird most unusual. The yellow isn’t the regular yellow color either, but almost a lemon yellow color. Known as a wild canary, the unusual cone-like shape of the bill is also another thing that fascinates people about the Goldfinches.

American Goldfinch Migration

New Jersey State Bird Facts

It’s never a bad time to learn more about the New Jersey official state bird!

1. The breeding season for Eastern Goldfinches starts quite late in the year. It isn’t until June or July that they began building the nests. They wait so that plants such as milkweeds and thistle can grow seeds. Then, they use those seeds to make parts of their nests along with feeding the young ones with them.

2. Once winter arrives, so do the Eastern Goldfinches in New Jersey. Their migration pattern suggests their ideal weather is where the temperature is around 0 degrees Fahrenheit. They don’t do well when temperatures rise too much or drop too much from this point.

3. The Eastern Goldfinches see their feathers molting twice in a year. Among North American bird species, they are the only group to do so. It happens during the later part of winter and again when the summer is finally knocking at our doorstep. By the time spring arrives, the yellow color in male Goldfinches becomes even brighter than before.

Final Thoughts

If you want to see the New Jersey state bird, you should visit the state during winter. You don’t even have to specifically visit the habitats of the American Goldfinch. All you need is a feeder in your backyard with treats the Goldfinches love. If you’re in New Jersey, especially during the winter, you’ll see them flocking to your backyard!

Ornithology

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