The cardinal (Richmondena cardinalis cardinalis) was adopted as the state bird by the 1933 General Assembly (Indiana Code 1-2-8). The male (shown above) is bright red; the female is brown with dull red crest, wings and tail. They remain in Indiana year round and nest in thickets of brambles or low saplings. The eggs, 2 to 4, are bluish-white with brown markings.

Indiana Code: IC 1-2-8-1 Sec. 1. The bird commonly known as the Red Bird or Cardinal (Richmondena Cardinalis Cardinalis) is hereby adopted and designated as the official state bird of the state of Indiana. (Formerly: Acts 1933, c.223, s.1.)