Cardinals
On the first page in this set of bird stamps, I provided a criteria for choosing a state bird: the bird should be native, found in only a few or no other states, not already chosen, and possibly represent some aspect of the state.
There are seven states that have chosen the Northern Cardinal (see the first stamp here) – the most of any bird. Kentucky chose it first, in the 1926, although it may not be the ideal choice for it. I like the Cardinal: The male and female a both pretty, and their call is unique sounding. Still, what does it represent about Kentucky? And why would six other states choose it over something more indicative of their state. Similarly, the Wisconsin stamp on the last row has the American Robin – which was also chosen by two other states. One has to wonder what is it about the Robin that might remind anyone of Wisconsin.
Oklahoma chose the Scissor Tailed Flycatcher, a beautiful and unique looking bird. It’s found all over Oklahoma, and partly in its neighboring states. Since the other states didn’t choose it, this bird is a good choice for them.
Some states choose birds that have the name of their state in their common name. For instance, South Carolina chose the Carolina Wren. It’s not exclusive to the state or even the Carolinas, but it has Carolina in its name, it’s native to the state, and no other state claimed it. So that’s fine. Similarly, Rhode Island chose the Rhode Island Red chicken. The names match and the breed of chicken was developed in Rhode Island, but you won’t find it in the wild – which I think is a basic requirement of a state bird. Conversely, Utah chose the California Gull. It’s the only state to have chosen it and it can be found in Utah. However, I wouldn’t choose a bird that’s named after another state or region.
Note
As a bird lover, I like this series of stamps, very much – despite my criticisms of the choices that most of the states made. Incidentally, I’m not a bird watcher. Although I have a nice pair of Zeiss binoculars to watch birds, I don’t go looking for them in the woods or elsewhere. Instead, I’m what I like to call a bird noticer. When a bird passes by me, I take the time to notice and appreciate it – sometimes to identify the species.
Contains 16 spots: own 16 – 16 unused, 0 used.
Page is finished.
Album or Web Page Last changed May 22, 2025
Stamp Details
The table below lists information about the stamps shown on this page of Lighthouse’s stamp album. For more details about a particular stamp, click on its description. That will take you to the related web page of Colnect.
spot |
own |
catalog |
subject |
description |
comment |
Birds of North America
✓ |
1987 |
Cardinal, Ohio |
20c (apr 1982) |
||
✓ |
1988 |
Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher, Ok. |
20c (apr 1982) |
||
✓ |
1989 |
Western Meadowlark, Or. |
20c (apr 1982) |
||
✓ |
1990 |
Ruffed Grouse, Penn. |
20c (apr 1982) |
||
✓ |
1991 |
Rhode Island Red, R.I. |
20c (apr 1982) |
||
✓ |
1992 |
Carolina Wren, S.C. |
20c (apr 1982) |
||
✓ |
1993 |
Ring-Necked Pheasant, S.D. |
20c (apr 1982) |
||
✓ |
1994 |
Northern Mockingbird, Tenn. |
20c (apr 1982) |
||
✓ |
1995 |
Northern Mockingbird, Tex. |
20c (apr 1982) |
||
✓ |
1996 |
California Gull, Utah |
20c (apr 1982) |
||
✓ |
1997 |
Hermit Thrush, Vt. |
20c (apr 1982) |
||
✓ |
1998 |
Cardinal, Vir. |
20c (apr 1982) |
||
✓ |
1999 |
American Goldfinch, Wash. |
20c (apr 1982) |
||
✓ |
2000 |
Cardinal, W.V. |
20c (apr 1982) |
||
✓ |
2001 |
American Robin, Wisc. |
20c (apr 1982) |
||
✓ |
2002 |
Western Meadowlark, Wy. |
20c (apr 1982) |
Footnotes
Spot refers to the postion of the stamp on the album page (e.g., 3.2 indicates row 3, position 2).
Amt. is an abbreviation for the face amount of the stamp.
Own indicates the stamp status: ✓ for unused; ✗ for used or canceled; ⭑ signifies I ordered one; ; ✨ indicates it was bought recently; ✠ means an auction bid is pending; and ◎ is used, and it costs too much for unused.
To search by catalog number, go to the search box and enter it in the catalog number box. However, it’s a bit broken; I need to fix it.
