Official State Bird of Delaware
The "Blue Hen chicken" was designated the official state bird of Delaware April 14, 1939. "Blue Hens" are not an officially recognized breed; they are bred and named for the steel-blue coloring of their feathers. All State Birds
The history of Delaware's state bird starts during the Revolutionary War, when a company of soldiers from Delaware known for their courage acquired the nickname of "The Blue Hen's Chickens" or "Sons of the Blue Hen." This nickname is said to come from the fighting offspring of a particular hen owned by their Captain, John Caldwell, that were famously good at winning fights between roosters. These fights, known as "cockfights" (which of course are now illegal), were popular during the Revolutionary War era. Over the years the "Blue Hen" became a popular symbol, used during the Civil War, in publications, and in political campaigns.
Today, the University of Delaware atheletic teams are nicknamed "the fightin' Blue Hens" and the university maintains a flock of "Blue Hen Chickens." These are not descended from the original hen; they were bred from birds donated by S. Hallock du Pont in the 1960s and more recently by the Delaware state veterinarian Wesley Towers.
Rhode Island also recognizes a chicken as their state bird (Rhode Island red chicken).
Delaware Chapter 128
AN ACT ADOPTING THE "BLUE HEN CHICKEN" AS THE OFFICIAL BIRD OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Delaware in General Assembly met:
Section 1. That from and after the passage of this Act the "Blue Hen Chicken" shall be and the same is hereby made the official bird of the State of Delaware.
Approved April 14, 1939