The cardinal, with its bright red plumage, has become one of the most recognizable state birds in the United States. The northern cardinal was officially adopted as the state bird of Virginia in 1950. However, the history of how the cardinal became the state bird of Virginia dates back much further.
In this article, we will explore the background on how and when the cardinal was chosen to represent the state of Virginia. We will look at the characteristics and symbolism of the cardinal that made it a fitting representative. We will also learn about the process and events leading up to the cardinal becoming the official state bird of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
History of the Cardinal in Virginia
The cardinal has long been a familiar sight in the state of Virginia. The northern cardinal is a year-round resident of Virginia that can be found throughout the state in woodlands, thickets, suburban parks and backyards.
Cardinals were first recorded in Virginia all the way back in the 17th century. Early European settlers exploring and colonizing Virginia would have become acquainted with the vibrant red bird. The range of the northern cardinal extends across eastern North America from Canada down through Mexico. However, its numbers are abundant across the southeastern United States, including throughout the state of Virginia.
By the early 20th century, the cardinal had become established as a recognized state symbol of Virginia, though not yet official. The cardinal was a mascot of sporting teams at the University of Richmond as early as the 1890s. Schools, businesses and organizations across Virginia embraced the cardinal because of its connection to the state. The bright red bird had also become a popular motif in art and handicrafts.
The cardinal was clearly already held in high esteem by Virginians long before it would gain formal recognition. Let’s look closer at some of the features and symbolism of the cardinal that made it a favorite state emblem.
Characteristics and Symbolism of the Cardinal
The cardinal is well suited to represent the state of Virginia because of some of its marked physical and symbolic features. Here are some of the notable qualities of the northern cardinal that make it a fitting state bird:
Striking red plumage – The bright crimson red plumage of male cardinals is their most recognizable feature. The vivid red color ensures cardinals stand out against winter backgrounds. Red and white are the most prominent colors in the state flag of Virginia, so the cardinal’s red feathers align with the flag’s bold palette.
Resident year-round – Cardinals do not migrate and remain in their home range all year long. This permanence is symbolic of enduring ties to Virginia landscapes and traditions. The cardinal’s constant presence reflects the steadfastness of the Commonwealth.
Sings even in winter – The cardinal is one of the few birds that sings throughout the year, even in the depths of winter. Their whistled song delivers a hopeful message and can lift spirits during cold weather. This relates to Virginia’s staunch resilience.
Found statewide – Cardinals live across Virginia in both rural and urban areas from the Appalachians to the coastal plain. Because cardinals inhabit the whole state, they unite all Virginians. The cardinal reflects a shared state pride.
Pairs for life – Cardinals typically mate for life, symbolizing devotion and family values. Virginia has a proud heritage and deep roots, embodied by the cardinal’s loyalty.
State colors – As mentioned earlier, the male cardinal’s scarlet feathers align with the red and white colors of the Virginia state flag. The bold red plumage links directly to state identity.
So in summary, the cardinal reflects many admirable qualities symbolic of Virginia, from perseverance and unity to devotion and heritage. Next we will trace the history that led to the cardinal gaining official recognition.
Steps Toward Becoming the State Bird
How did the beloved cardinal go from being an unofficial emblem to the legally designated state bird of the Commonwealth of Virginia? Here is a look at some of the key events that advanced the cardinal to official status:
1926 – Virginia Conservation Commission holds an election for schoolchildren to choose a state bird. Children vote for the cardinal, though the choice is non-binding.
1949 – Virginia Federation of Women’s Clubs launches a campaign promoting cardinal for state bird. They appeal to Virginia General Assembly.
1950 – State Senator Mills Godwin of Suffolk sponsors bill to officially make the cardinal Virginia’s state bird.
January 25, 1950 – Virginia House of Delegates and Senate pass Godwin’s bill confirming the northern cardinal as the official state bird of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
March 7, 1950 – Virginia Governor John Battle signs the cardinal bill into law. It states: “The cardinal is hereby designated and adopted as the official bird of the Commonwealth.”
So in 1950 after many decades of treasured tradition, the cardinal was finally granted formal recognition through the legislative process as Virginia’s designated state bird. Let’s visualize the key events on a timeline:
Timeline of the Cardinal Becoming Virginia’s State Bird
Year | Event |
---|---|
1926 | Schoolchildren vote for cardinal as state bird in nonbinding election held by Virginia Conservation Commission |
1949 | Virginia Federation of Women’s Clubs launches campaign for cardinal as official state bird |
1950 | State Senator Mills Godwin sponsors legislation to officially make northern cardinal the state bird of Virginia |
January 25, 1950 | Virginia General Assembly passes Godwin’s cardinal bill |
March 7, 1950 | Virginia Governor John Battle signs the cardinal bill into law |
This helps visualize the series of events that led to the cardinal becoming an official state symbol. Next we will look at some more recent history surrounding Virginia’s state bird.
Recent History and Popularity
Since being codified in the 1950s, the cardinal has become an even more prominent symbol of the state of Virginia. Some examples:
– Cardinal art and memorabilia remain popular, from T-shirts to Christmas ornaments.
– The cardinal appears on the official Governor of Virginia flag.
– “Cardinalis virginianus” was designated as the official Latin name for the Virginia state bird in 2012.
– A pair of cardinals appear in the Virginia segment of the National Quilt showing symbols of all 50 states.
– In 2014, the General Assembly passed a bill designating the last full week in January as Virginia Bird Week to promote awareness of native birds.
The cardinal also remains the mascot for many Virginia schools and sports teams at all levels. Clearly the iconic red bird is still widely embraced as a state symbol representing aspects of life in Virginia.
Cardinal Population Trends
The northern cardinal population has been on the increase both across North America and within Virginia specifically. Here are some key facts about the proliferation of cardinals:
- From 1966 to 2015, the cardinal population in the continental U.S. grew by over 1,000 percent.
- The cardinal population in Virginia alone grew from under 10 million birds in the 1960s to over 25 million by the 2010s.
- Higher survival rates in winter and expanding food sources are factors in cardinal growth.
- Backyard bird feeding provides cardinals supplemental food during winter.
- Climate change may allow cardinals to expand their range further north.
This data on the increased prevalence of cardinals shows why sightings of the red birds in Virginia have become even more common over the decades.
Threats and Conservation
Despite increasing numbers, cardinals still face risks and population pressures to monitor. Some threats to cardinals in Virginia include:
- Habitat loss from development reduces forests and backyards cardinals rely on.
- Climate change may bring weather impacts and affect food sources.
- Window collisions from artificial structures pose a hazard to cardinals.
- Outdoor cats can threaten cardinal fledglings learning to fly.
Ongoing conservation tactics focused on cardinals include:
- Protected wildlife areas and bird sanctuaries in Virginia provide cardinal habitat.
- Education campaigns to reduce window collisions protect cardinals in suburban areas.
- Virginia bird feeding programs supplement food through tough winters.
- Tracking bird populations informs additional conservation needs.
Despite challenges, the much-loved cardinal remains a widespread and integral part of Virginia’s landscape. The bright red bird is sure to maintain its place as a cardinal state symbol for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
In summary, the northern cardinal earned its status as an official state symbol of Virginia through decades of cultural esteem. Its scarlet plumage and admirable qualities like perseverance and family bonds make it an apt representative. The cardinal was elected as Virginia’s state bird by schoolchildren in 1926. But it did not become formally codified by law until 1950 after concerted campaigns by advocacy groups and passage of legislation.
Since then, the cardinal has only increased in popularity and remains a prominent emblem of Virginia. Sightings of the red birds are common year-round across the state, reflecting their range expansion. Ongoing conservation efforts help safeguard cardinals while also tracking populations. The cardinal is sure to maintain its place as a cardinal Virginia state symbol for the long term.