Michigan Chooses the American Robin as Its State Bird
In 1931, Michigan officially adopted the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) as its state bird. The decision followed a vote organized by the Michigan Audubon Society. The Society declared the robin “the best known and best-loved of all the birds in the state.” While the robin had plenty of supporters, the journey to make it the official state bird wasn’t without controversy. The competition wasn’t over even after the decision was made.
Back in 1929, more than 190,000 Michiganders participated in a state-wide contest to select their favorite bird. The robin and the black-capped chickadee emerged as the top contenders, with the robin taking nearly a quarter of the votes. The Michigan Audubon Society’s endorsement was crucial in tipping the scale in favor of the robin.
However, it wasn’t an easy ride for Michigan’s feathered friend. Over the years, there have been multiple attempts to dethrone the robin in favor of other birds, including the Kirtland’s Warbler, a species that’s exclusive to Michigan and has made a remarkable recovery from near-extinction. These debates continue to this day, with lawmakers introducing bills to switch Michigan’s state bird to the Kirtland’s Warbler as recently as 2022. Despite these efforts, the robin remains Michigan’s beloved state bird.
The American robin is a familiar sight in Michigan backyards, often seen pulling up earthworms on suburban lawns. With its vibrant red breast and cheerful song, it truly embodies the spirit of Michigan. But, even as the robin’s reign continues, it’s clear that the debate over Michigan’s state bird is far from over.
