Do you know Illinois's official state symbols?
Do you know Illinois's official state symbols?
Each state in America boasts its own culture, history, and natural beauty. To represent such diversity, people from these states have chosen their own set of symbols and customs. Specific flags, songs, mottos, flowers, and even fruits commemorate the uniqueness of individual states. Some of these symbols border on the bizarre: Texas, for example, has made the Dutch oven its official state cooking pot. Other symbols are more universal, like state birds.
Many people remember learning about their states' history back in elementary school. But can you still remember your state bird? How about your state flower? To test your state knowledge, Stacker compiled a list of symbols in Illinois.
Clue: Illinois state fish
Clue: Dining on everything from algae and crawfish to snails and insects, these predators aren't known for being finicky. Members of the sunfish family, they can thrive in a range of habitats, including ponds, swamps, and lakes.
Answer: Illinois state fish
Answer: Bluegill
Clue: Illinois state mammal
This state’s official mammal is a common American ungulate that flashes the white underside of its tail when it sees a predator. The males have antlers that they shed and regrow every year.
Answer: Illinois state mammal
- State mammal: White-tailed deer
Clue: Illinois state song
Illinois is the land of Lincoln, and the Civil War is featured prominently in the state's official song. It was written by C.H. Chamberlain and the music was composed by Archibald Johnston.
Answer: Illinois state song
- Answer: "Illinois"
Clue: Illinois state insect
This species has an expansive travel pattern, migrating north and south each year. It is often mistaken for the viceroy species, though it is much larger.
Answer: Illinois state insect
- State insect: Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Clue: Illinois state tree
Illinois shares a state tree with another state, but this tree is actually native to Illinois—the Chicago region, to be precise. The tree has a long lifespan, can grow up to 80 feet high and 100 feet wide, and is popular for large landscapes and parks.
Answer: Illinois state tree
Answer: White oak (Quercus alba)
Clue: Illinois state bird
This bright and distinctive bird is a popular choice for state symbols and was chosen by Illinois schoolchildren back in 1929. Once most prevalent in the Southeast, the species' northern climb is attributed in part to birdfeeders loaded with the bird's favorite food: sunflower seeds.
Answer: Illinois state bird
Answer: Northern cardinal
Clue: Illinois state flower
Like some other states, Illinois chose its state flower from a vote conducted by schoolchildren. These flowers grow in abundance all throughout Illinois, able to grow in both shade and sunlight. Named for its color, these flowers can also be found in shades of light blue and white—outside of Illinois, some may call these flowers “pansies.”
