Following an editorial arguing for the reselection of the Virginia state bird by Theogony editor Ethan Gotsch, Theogony reached out to several politicians, including the 1988 Democratic presidential nominee and former Massachusetts Governor Mike Dukakis, for their views on the northern cardinal being the Virginia state bird.
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State Bird of the Old Dominion: Another Opinion
In 1950, the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) was established as the state bird of Virginia. With its vivid red color and tufted head, the cardinal is instantly recognizable and it is easy to see why Virginia would pick a bird that stands out among other garden-variety fowl. Since its establishment, the cardinal has become a beloved figure not only for its stunning plumage but also as a symbol of Virginia state pride. So if all of this is true, why should Virginia change its state bird?
