American Robins have been our state bird since 1931, but a few Michigan officials are hoping to change it -- to the Kirtland’s warbler.
Michigan has the same state bird as Connecticut and Wisconsin.
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Rep. Greg Markkanen, R-Hancock, introduced a bill to make the Kirtland’s warbler the official state bird of Michigan. This bill was introduced last month on Sept. 21 and is backed up by Reps. Ken Borton, Jack O’Malley, Daire Rendon, Sue Allor, Gary Howell, William Sowerby, David LaGrand, Sara Cambensy and Andrew Fink.
Kirtland’s warbler, also known as the Jack pine bird or Jack pine warbler, was recently taken off the protected species list as they were designated endangered for over half a century.
As of June 2021, there was an estimated 2,245 pairs of the once endangered bird. Michigan’s DNR stated that the population size is more than doubled the recovery goal of the species.
Bird lovers claim that the bird is special to the state of Michigan. According to the DNR, the birds have boosted tourism in the five-county section of rural northern Michigan that has the largest numbers, drawing bird watchers from around the world.
Click here to learn about viewing tours.
Below is a document from the Kirtland’s Warbler Alliance stating 10 reasons why the Kirtland’s warbler should be Michigan’s state bird.
Read more: Once nearly extinct, Michigan songbird coming off endangered list
To learn more about the “bird of fire” watch the video from Michigan DNR below: