Emblems of Virginia

The State Bird is the Cardinal

The Cardinal is easy to spot because it is bright red!  You might see one in a dogwood tree.

The State Flower is the American Dogwood

The American Dogwood is unique because it is a tree and a flower.  The blooms are white or pink.

The State Insect is the Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly 

The Tiger Swallowtail has distinct stripes like a tiger and can be found across Virginia!

The State Freshwater Fish is the Brook Trout

This fish lives in the clear, cold waters of Virginia's mountain rivers and streams.

The official state songs are Sweet Virginia Breeze [listen] and Our Great Virginia [listen].

The Official State Folk Dance is the Square Dance

The State Saltwater Fish is the Striped Bass 

The striped bass lives in the waters off Virginia's coast.

The State Boat is the Chesapeake Bay Deadrise

The boat is often used by harvesters to collect oysters in the Chesapeake Bay.

The State Shell is the Oyster

Oysters live underwater in the Chesapeake Bay.  They grow into different shapes and sizes.

The State Fossil is the Chesapecten Jeffersonius Fossil

This is a fossilized form of an extinct scallop.  It was named for Thomas Jefferson because of his interest in natural history.

The State Rock is the Nelsonite

This tan and dark speckled, titanium-laced rock is named after Nelson County, Virginia where it was discovered.

The State Snake is the Eastern Garter Snake

This snake is eaither a greenish, brown or black color and has a distinct yellow or white stripe.

The State Dog is the American Foxhound

America's first President, George Washington, had foxhounds.  They have white fur and tan spots.

The State Bat is the Big-Eared Bat

Bats have dark brown fur.  You might see one flying outside at night.

The State Beverage is Milk

Milk comes from dairy farms and is often found in your school cafeteria.

The State Horse is the Chincoteague Pony

The State Pollinator is the European Honey Bee