State symbols connect people to their natural heritage and unique identity. Understanding the chosen state bird offers a glimpse into the natural world that defines a region.
New Jersey’s State Bird: The Eastern Goldfinch
New Jersey officially designated the Eastern Goldfinch as its state bird on June 27, 1935. This small, colorful bird is scientifically known as Spinus tristis. While the official designation uses “Eastern Goldfinch,” it is widely recognized across North America as the American Goldfinch, and sometimes affectionately called the Wild Canary.
Identifying Features and Natural Habitat
The Eastern Goldfinch exhibits distinct features, especially the male during breeding season, when its plumage becomes a brilliant lemon yellow. This striking color contrasts sharply with its jet-black wings, marked by prominent white bars, and a distinct black cap on its head. Females and males outside the breeding season display a more subdued olive-brown or dull yellow coloration, retaining the black wings with white markings. They typically measure between 11 to 14 centimeters in length and weigh 11 to 20 grams.
Their flight pattern is notably undulating, characterized by a series of quick wing beats followed by a downward glide, often accompanied by cheerful vocalizations. Goldfinches primarily inhabit open country, including weedy fields, meadows, floodplains, and roadsides, but they are also commonly found in orchards and suburban gardens throughout New Jersey. Their diet consists almost entirely of seeds, with a particular fondness for thistle, dandelion, and sunflower seeds, which they adeptly extract using their small, conical beaks.
Selection and Enduring Significance
While the official records do not explicitly detail the reasons for its selection, the bill’s sponsor, State Senator John Dryden Kuser, was a known bird enthusiast and president of a local bird club. His family’s deep involvement with the New Jersey Audubon Society, an organization that had unofficially embraced the goldfinch as a symbol through youth membership campaigns, likely influenced this choice.
The bird’s vibrant presence and cheerful demeanor across the state made it a fitting emblem. Its ability to thrive in various habitats, including those shaped by human activity, underscores its adaptability and widespread presence within New Jersey. The Eastern Goldfinch embodies the state’s appreciation for its diverse avian life and natural surroundings.