State symbols connect a state’s unique history, natural environment, and identity. Many states choose an official bird to represent a character or historical narrative woven into the local culture. These avian designees serve as public icons, often appearing on state seals, flags, or as mascots. The selection process is a deliberate act of historical recognition, meant to honor a significant event or a defining trait of the state’s populace.
Identification: Delaware’s Official State Bird
The official state bird of Delaware is the Blue Hen Chicken. This is an unusual choice since most state symbols are wild species, but the Blue Hen is a strain of domesticated fowl. The designation was formally established by the state legislature on April 14, 1939, solidifying a long-standing cultural symbol into law. This act is codified in the Delaware Code under Title 29, Chapter 3, § 305.
The Rationale Behind the Designation
The selection of the Blue Hen Chicken is rooted in military history and the state’s reputation for courage during the American Revolution. Soldiers of the 1st Delaware Regiment were known for their fierce fighting spirit. They carried gamecocks, which were the renowned offspring of a certain blue hen. These fighting fowl were famous for their pugnacity and rarely lost a match.
The regiment’s reputation for bravery in battles, such as the Battle of Long Island, led to the nickname “Blue Hen’s Chickens.” This moniker compared the soldiers’ tenacity to the fighting ability of the gamecocks. Adopting the Blue Hen Chicken as the state bird was a direct way to honor this historical precedent and the valor of the Revolutionary War troops.
Key Characteristics and Biology
The Blue Hen Chicken is not a recognized breed listed in the American Standard of Perfection but is an old strain of game fowl. The most striking characteristic is the bird’s distinctive steel-blue plumage. This blue coloring is genetically unique; when two blue-feathered birds are bred, the resulting offspring are 50% blue, 25% solid black, and 25% “splash,” a pattern of white with black markings.
The original birds were bred specifically as gamecocks, known for their active and fierce temperament. Males of the strain weigh around 5 pounds, and hens weigh approximately 4 pounds. Modern flocks, such as those maintained by the University of Delaware, have been cross-bred with other strains, including the Blue Andalusian chicken. These modern birds are more ornamental or resemble active layers rather than the aggressive fighting birds of the 18th century.