Every state in the United States has a designated state bird, and Iowa is no exception. However, the process of selecting a state bird is not always straightforward. In Iowa’s case, it involved a series of steps and considerations that ultimately led to the adoption of the Eastern Goldfinch as the state bird. This article will explore the various stages of this process.
Early considerations
In the early 1920s, there was growing interest in designating a state bird for Iowa. Several birds were suggested, including the Bobolink, the Meadowlark, and the Cardinal. However, there was no clear consensus on which bird would be the best choice.
Formation of a committee
To address this issue, the Iowa Federation of Women’s Clubs formed a committee in 1926 to study the matter and make recommendations. The committee was composed of members from various organizations, including the Iowa Audubon Society, the State Board of Conservation, and the Iowa Ornithologists’ Union.
Gathering nominations
The committee solicited nominations from the public and received over 100 suggestions. The nominations included a wide variety of birds, from the American Kestrel to the Wild Turkey.
Criteria for selection
To narrow down the list of candidates, the committee established a set of criteria that the state bird should meet. These criteria included factors such as the bird’s prevalence in Iowa, its appearance, its song, and its cultural significance.
Deliberations and debates
After reviewing the nominations and applying the criteria, the committee narrowed the list to four finalists: the Eastern Bluebird, the Eastern Goldfinch, the Bobwhite Quail, and the Cedar Waxwing. These four birds were the subject of much debate and discussion among the committee members.
Finalists announced
After several months of deliberation, the committee announced the four finalists at the Iowa State Fair in August 1929. The announcement generated excitement and public interest, as people began to campaign for their favorite bird.
Public input and voting
To involve the public in the selection process, the committee organized a statewide vote. Ballots were distributed to schools, newspapers, and other organizations, and over 51,000 people cast their votes. The Eastern Goldfinch emerged as the clear winner, with over 37,000 votes.
Selection by legislature
With the public’s choice in hand, the committee presented the Eastern Goldfinch to the Iowa General Assembly for approval. After some debate, the legislature voted to adopt the bird as the state symbol in 1933.
Governor’s signature
Once the bill was passed by the legislature, it needed to be signed by the governor to become law. On April 10, 1933, Governor Clyde Herring signed the bill, officially designating the Eastern Goldfinch as the state bird of Iowa.
Adoption of the Eastern Goldfinch
Since then, the Eastern Goldfinch has become an iconic symbol of Iowa. Its vibrant yellow color and cheerful song make it a beloved sight and sound for many Iowans.
Conclusion
The process of selecting a state bird for Iowa was a lengthy and involved one, but it ultimately resulted in a choice that has endured for nearly a century. By involving the public, establishing clear criteria, and considering multiple candidates, the committee was able to choose a bird that represents the natural beauty and cultural significance of Iowa.
