Alabama's official state bird is the Yellowhammer, which is the common name for the Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus). That's the complete answer. The designation has been on the books since 1927 and is codified in Alabama Code § 1-2-7, so there's no ambiguity here.
What Is Alabama State Bird? Official Symbol and Facts
Marcus Webb
23 Mar 2026
Alabama's State Bird: The Official Designation
The Yellowhammer was adopted as Alabama's state bird in 1927 under Acts 1927, No. 542, and is now codified in Alabama Code § 1-2-7. Alabama is one of the few states where the state bird is known almost exclusively by a nickname rather than its formal species name. "Yellowhammer" is a local nickname rooted in Civil War history, when Alabama Confederate soldiers were called Yellowhammers because of their yellow-trimmed uniforms, which reminded onlookers of the bird's bright yellow markings. The Encyclopedia of Alabama and Britannica both confirm the designation and the 1927 date, so you're on solid ground with this answer.
It's an Official State Symbol, Not Just a Nickname
Alabama has a full suite of official state symbols established by law, and the Yellowhammer sits right alongside them. The Alabama Department of Archives and History lists the state symbols on its Fast Facts page, showing "Bird: Yellowhammer" with the year 1927. This is the same page where you'll find the state flower, state tree, and other officially designated symbols. That context matters because it confirms the Yellowhammer isn't just a popular association or informal nickname for the state, it's a legal designation backed by state statute.
What the Yellowhammer Looks Like
If you want to spot one, the Northern Flicker is a medium-to-large woodpecker, measuring about 30 to 35 cm in length. The "Yellowhammer" name comes from the eastern subspecies known as the Yellow-shafted Flicker, which shows bright yellow under its wings and tail in flight. That yellow flash is unmistakable once you know to look for it. A few other quick ID cues:
- A bold red patch on the nape of the neck
- A black crescent bib across the chest
- Males have a black "mustache" stripe running from the bill down toward the throat
- Brown-barred back and wings with black spots on a buff-white belly
- Loud, sharp "wick-wick-wick" call and a long, laughing rattle
One thing that surprises people is how often you see this woodpecker on the ground. Unlike most woodpeckers that stay on tree trunks, the Northern Flicker spends a lot of time foraging on the ground for ants and beetles. If you see a large, spotted bird hopping across your lawn and then flashing yellow as it flies away, that's almost certainly a Yellowhammer.
Where to Verify This Today
If you need to confirm this for a school project, trivia night, or just personal satisfaction, here are the most reliable places to check as of March 2026:
- Alabama Code § 1-2-7 on Justia (law.justia.com): Search for '1-2-7 State Bird' and you'll find the statute text naming the Yellowhammer (Northern Flicker) as the official state bird.
- Encyclopedia of Alabama Quick Facts page: Look for the line 'The official bird of Alabama is the yellowhammer, or common flicker (Colaptes auratus).' This is a peer-reviewed reference maintained by Auburn University and the Alabama Humanities Alliance.
- Alabama Department of Archives and History Fast Facts page: The state's own archives office lists 'Bird: Yellowhammer (1927)' alongside all other official state symbols.
- Britannica's list of U.S. state birds: Confirms Alabama's bird as the yellow-shafted flicker (Colaptes auratus), locally known as the Yellowhammer, designated in 1927.
Any one of those sources is authoritative. The statute is the gold standard if you need a legal reference. The Encyclopedia of Alabama and ADAH are the best choices for a plain-language, state-endorsed confirmation.
Alabama's State Bird and State Flower Together
A lot of people search for Alabama's state bird and flower at the same time, so here's both in one place. Alabama's official state flower is the Camellia (Camellia japonica L.), designated in 1959 and codified in Alabama Code § 1-2-11. The statute language reads: "The camellia, Camellia japonica L., is hereby designated and named as the official state flower of Alabama."
| Symbol | Official Name | Scientific Name | Year Designated | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Bird | Yellowhammer (Northern Flicker) | Colaptes auratus | 1927 | Alabama Code § 1-2-7 |
| State Flower | Camellia | Camellia japonica L. | 1959 | Alabama Code § 1-2-11 |
The Camellia is an ornamental flowering shrub that blooms in winter and early spring, making it a distinctive choice for a Deep South state. It's widely planted across Alabama in both home gardens and public landscapes. Together, the Yellowhammer and the Camellia give you a quick snapshot of Alabama's official natural symbols, both easy to look up and both well-documented in state law.
One Common Source of Confusion
Some people see "Yellowhammer" and assume it refers to a different bird entirely, specifically the Eurasian Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella), which is a small bunting found in Europe. They're completely different species. Alabama's Yellowhammer is the Northern Flicker, a native North American woodpecker. The Encyclopedia of Alabama addresses this directly: the bird is the northern flicker (Colaptes auratus), which is popularly known in Alabama as the "Yellowhammer." If you're researching state birds for other nearby states, Alabama state birds for other nearby states, Alaska's state bird is the Willow Ptarmigan and Arizona's, both of which follow a similar pattern of choosing birds with strong regional identity and cultural significance.
FAQ
Is Alabama’s Yellowhammer the same as the Eurasian Yellowhammer bird?
Yes. In Alabama, the official “Yellowhammer” state bird refers to the Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus), not the Eurasian bird of the same common name (Emberiza citrinella).
What’s the safest source to cite when answering “what is Alabama state bird” for a class?
“Yellowhammer” is a common-name designation in Alabama, and the legal codification is the best way to confirm it for school assignments. If you need to cite authority, point to the Alabama Code section rather than informal websites.
How can I identify Alabama’s state bird (Yellowhammer) in the wild?
Look for a medium to large woodpecker, often seen hopping or walking on the ground. When it takes off, the bright yellow underwings and tail flashes are the key field mark that matches the “Yellow-shafted Flicker” naming used for the Yellow-shafted form.
When is the best time and place to spot Alabama’s Yellowhammer?
The Yellowhammer is native to North America and appears across much of the region, but sightings vary by season because it shifts foraging areas and activity patterns. In general, the easiest sightings come when you observe it on open ground where it searches for ants and beetles.
Is the Yellowhammer a different species, or just Alabama’s nickname for another bird?
“Yellowhammer” is not a separate species in this context. It is Alabama’s state-bird nickname for the Northern Flicker, which means you should not list it as a different scientific bird species on worksheets.
Should I answer with “Yellowhammer” or “Northern Flicker” on trivia or tests?
If a quiz question asks for either the nickname or the scientific name, you can answer with both: Yellowhammer (Northern Flicker, Colaptes auratus). Using both prevents point loss when the quiz expects the scientific name.
What common mistakes cause people to confuse Alabama’s state bird with other yellow birds?
If you see a small yellow songbird on a feeder, it is very likely not Alabama’s state bird. The Yellowhammer is a woodpecker-type bird (Northern Flicker), so size, behavior (ground foraging), and the yellow wing and tail flash are important to avoid mix-ups.
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