The 14th state to become a state of the US, Vermont got its legislation in the year 1791, on March 4. The capital city of Vermont is Montpelier while the state itself is known as Green Mountain state. This begs the question of exactly what could be the state bird of Vermont? Well, it’s rare for state birds but common in general.
What is the State Bird of Vermont?
The Hermit Thrush has been the state bird of Vermont since 1941. These extremely small birds which aren’t even dense feather wise are mostly known for their call. Their song has been described as melancholic, bringing a bit of sadness with them. It could be the main reason they have been named the Hermit Thrush. They also have really small, sad eyes that seem to call out to people. For a small bird species, they are capable of eating many kinds of giant species, even salamanders.
What Makes the State Bird of Vermont Unusual?
The upper body of the Hermit Thrush is a rich brown, while they have a slight bit of red on their breasts. It is the tail that is red colored and sets it apart from other Thrushes. However, the most unusual thing about the Vermont official state bird has to be the melancholy sound of the Hermit Thrush. Like their name, they do show hermit tendencies, singing out a tune that is filled with sadness. They aren’t striking in appearance but their call can strike anyone’s heart.
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Vermont State Bird Facts
Let’s learn a little more about the Vermont state bird!
1 . The male hermit thrushes are in charge of gathering the food for the nest. However, it’s the mother who helps feed the young ones. The young thrushes start with eating larvae and then upgrade to spider, moth and grasshoppers. One time, a Hermit Thrush was seen trying to fit a Hermit Thrush, a salamander which was about 1.5 inches sling.
2. Usually, Hermit Thrush makes their nests around or inside trees or around shrubs. Over the years though, they have been becoming more and more creative. These days, they can be seen creating nests on the grave of cemeteries, mine shafts and even golf courses.
3. Hermit Thrush do a thing called foot quivering when they are trying to get some insects. They will displace some grass by moving their feet through the vibration and then pickup the unsuspecting insects. Sometimes, though, when they see predators, they start foot quivering as well. It is suspected this quivering is brought about by the Thrushes trying to decide whether they want to run away or continue looking for their own prey.
Final Thoughts
The Vermont state bird is a regular visitor of the state. They love perching on tree barks and singing their songs. However, they aren’t the type to show themselves to humans. They are shy by nature, so if you are trying to see them, you have to be careful about the way you approach them.
