State Birds are chosen to represent a particular state. The bird is chosen to be symbolic of a state for different reasons and is usually a bird that is common or unique to a specific region.
The northern cardinal gets top honors among state birds, representing seven states total: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia
The bald eagle has been the national bird of the United States since 1782, when it was placed with outspread wings on the Great Seal of our country. It appears in many government institutions and on official documents, making it the most pictured bird in all of America.