Awesome animals: Learn about wildlife that represents Illinois

Meghan McMahon
11 minutes ago
3 min read

Illinois is home to many interesting and diverse critters that fly, crawl, swim and walk through our rivers, forests and prairies. But do you know which were chosen to represent the state?

Before you scroll, challenge yourself. Which animal do you think is our state bird, animal, amphibian, reptile, insect, fish and snake?

State bird: Northern cardinal

Two cardinals, one red and one brown, perched on branches against a lush green background, gazing at each other. Bright and lively setting. — A male (left) and female northern cardinal. (Photo via Shutterstock)

Ever seen a flash of red fly past you? Then you might have seen the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). These bright and beautiful birds can be seen and heard all year round, which might be why they were selected as the state bird in 1929. This set a trend because Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia later selected the cardinal as well. Whether you are traveling to your backyard or one of these states, keep an ear out for their famous call, “birdie, birdie, birdie,” followed by a “pew, pew, pew.”

State insect: Monarch butterfly

Close-up of a vibrant orange and black butterfly perched on green leaves, with a blurred natural background. — A monarch butterfly. (Photo via Shutterstock)

This regal insect was chosen as the state representative in 1975. Although not a year-round resident, the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is an important pollinator for many plants across Illinois. Remember our state wildflower, milkweed? It’s a crucial plant for monarchs.

Words to know

Extirpated: Absent from a particular geographic location.

Regal: Magnificent or dignified.

Monarchs lay eggs on milkweed plants. After they hatch, the larvae eat the leaves of the milkweed. As adults, these insects visit flowers looking for nectar to fuel their 2,500-mile migration. They can be seen from about March through September before they fly south for winter.

State animal: White-tailed deer

Deer family with three fawns stands in a grassy creek. Bright green plants surround them, creating a serene and natural setting. — A white-tailed deer and three fawns. (Photo courtesy of Amy Miller)

This should come as no surprise: These four-legged mammals find a home in rural, suburban and urban areas across the state. That might be one of the reasons the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) was selected by schoolchildren in the 1980s to be the state animal. By that time, white-tailed deer had quite a fascinating history in Illinois. The abundant animal almost became locally extirpated in the early 1900s and through wildlife rehabilitation efforts, rebounded by the 1950s. Can you imagine Illinois without wandering herds at dawn and dusk?

State snake: Eastern milk snake

A patterned snake rests on a bright green leaf, showcasing its red and brown scales. The setting is natural and calm. — An eastern milk snake. (Photo via Shutterstock)

Slithering into the title of state snake is the eastern milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum). They average 24 inches to 36 inches in length and have a “y” or “v” shaped mark at the back of the head with large brown blotches along their bodies. Unlike other state symbols, this snake is usually only found in the northern third of Illinois, while the red milk snake subspecies is found in southern Illinois. You can find them in fields, woodlands, rocky hillsides and river bottoms. When threatened, they vibrate their trail, hiss and strike. But don’t be fooled, there’s no rattlesnakes here!

State fish: Bluegill

School of green fish swimming among fallen leaves and twigs in a dim underwater setting, with dark roots above and soft light filtering in. — Bluegills. (Photo via Shutterstock)

As the most common fish in our rivers, lakes and ponds, it’s no wonder the bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) swam into its title of state fish in 1986. This colorful fish gets its name from the bright blue gill covers found on many males of the species. They are found in freshwater streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and wetlands throughout Illinois. Learn about their interesting adaptations.

State amphibian: Eastern tiger salamander

Two salamanders with yellow and black patterns rest in a rocky cave. The foreground has green moss, creating a calm and natural setting. — A tiger salamander.

The eastern tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) was voted to its spot of honor by Illinois residents in 2004. This amphibian is the largest of the 20 species of salamanders found in the state, measuring about 7 inches long. They are known for the splotchy yellow spots on their black-brown bodies.

Want to see one in person? You can find them in woodlands, swamps, prairies and even old farm fields near ponds throughout Illinois and right here in Will County. Better yet, visit Hidden Oaks Nature Center and say hi to Ghillie!

State reptile: Painted turtle

Turtle with a detailed, colorful shell and open mouth sits on a rock by water, surrounded by blurred greenery and reflections. — A painted turtle. (Photo courtesy of Joe Viola)

Even though they were around for thousands — no, millions — of years before Illinois became a state, the painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) did not acquire its title of state reptile until 2004. These living rocks can be found across the state. In fact, they are the most widespread native turtle across the country! Odds are those shiny black dots competing for space on a log are painted turtles. Up close, you can identify them by the yellow stripes on their face as well as some reddish-orange stripes “painted” across their legs.

Do you agree with these representatives? Which other species would you choose to represent Illinois?