Happy Birthday, Oregon: State Symbols
State Bird Western Meadowlark
The Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) was chosen the Oregon state bird in 1927 by Oregon’s school children in a poll sponsored by the Oregon Audubon Society. Native throughout western North America, the bird has brown plumage with buff and black markings. Its underside is bright yellow with a black V-shape on the breast. The outer tail feathers are mainly white and are easily visible when it flies. The Western Meadowlark is known for its distinctive, flute-like song.