In 1931, the Michigan Audubon Society held a contest to choose the state bird — a trend that began with Kentucky adopting the northern cardinal in 1926. The American Robin won with nearly 200,000 votes. The red-bellied migrator has represented Michigan’s culture, history and unique ecology for nearly 90 years.
While Michigan was the first to adopt the robin, our selection wasn’t unique for long. Connecticut chose the robin in 1941 and Wisconsin followed in 1949.
In more recent years, there have been movements to change the state bird to one as unique as the state itself.
In 2022, lawmakers introduced a bill that, if signed into law, would have officially made the Kirtland's warbler Michigan's new state bird. In 2015, a chickadee lobby made noise in Lansing by claiming the state bird should be one that spends its whole year in Michigan.
Both efforts never made it to the Governor’s desk.
So, let’s settle this once and for all! What bird best represents Michigan? Vote throughout January in IPR's State Bird CAWcus.
Vote In-Person
Attend IPR events in January and sign up for our newsletter to get a hand ballot. Votes will be tallied and a winner decided at Rare Bird Brewpub on Jan. 29.
— Tuesday, Jan. 21 from 6-7:30 p.m.
Pints North Trivia @ Right Brain Brewery
— Saturday, Jan. 25 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
What if...? Meet Up @ Traverse City Farmer’s Market
— Wednesday, Jan 29 from 6-8 p.m
Decision Day @ Rare Bird Brewpub
Vote Online
Can’t make it to Traverse City? No problem! Make your case by recording a voice message for IPR via Speakpipe. By sending a message, your appeal could be played on the radio and inspire others to vote!
Meet our Top Candidates
Click on a bird's name for more information. Click here for a more detailed history of the Robin.
