The Colorado hairstreak butterfly (Hypaurotis crysalus) was designated the official state insect of Colorado in 1996 due to the steady lobbying of 4th graders from Wheeling Elementary in Aurora, Colorado (led by teacher Melinda Terry). All State Insects
The migratory lark bunting (Calamospiza melancorys Stejneger) was designated the state bird of Colorado in 1931. All State Birds
The male lark bunting performs a spectacular courtship flight while warbling and trilling a distinctive mating song. A breeding male is jet black with white wings but in winter changes to a gray brown color more like the smaller female bird.
The magnificent Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep was designated official state animal of Colorado in 1961. All State Mammals
Alabama designated the black bear as official state mammal in 1996. All State Mammals
Black bears are very intelligent, shy, and secretive animals - actually seeing a bear in the wild is a very rare experience. Black bears (Ursus americanus) are not always black - there are cinnamon, white, beige, and "blue" (slate gray) black bears.
The "yellowhammer" was designated the official state bird of Alabama in 1927 (correct name: northern flicker). Alabama is the the only state that recognizes a woodpecker as their state bird. Alabama also adopted an official state game bird in 1980 (eastern wild turkey). All State Birds