Delaware’s State Bird: The Delaware Blue Hen
Have you ever heard of the Delaware Blue Hen? This special bird is the official state bird of Delaware! It may not be what you expect, but the Blue Hen isn’t a wild bird. It’s a chicken! You might be wondering, why did Delaware choose a chicken as its state bird? Well, the story is pretty cool!
What is the Delaware Blue Hen?
The Delaware Blue Hen is a type of chicken. Its scientific name is Gallus gallus. It’s famous for its beautiful blue feathers. These birds are known to be feisty and strong. They are different from the regular chickens you might see on farms.
Why is the Blue Hen Important?
The story of the Delaware Blue Hen goes all the way back to the Revolutionary War. During the war, Delaware soldiers would carry Blue Hens with them. The soldiers would often use the birds in cockfighting. Cockfighting was a popular sport at the time, where roosters would battle each other. The Blue Hens were fierce fighters, just like the soldiers! The soldiers from Delaware became known for their bravery and strength, just like their chickens.
What Do Blue Hens Look Like?
Blue Hens are very special because of their striking color. Their feathers aren’t exactly blue like the sky. Instead, they are a bluish-gray color. They have a bright red comb on top of their heads, which makes them stand out even more. Their legs are sturdy and yellow, perfect for standing tall and proud.
Are Blue Hens Found in the Wild?
The Delaware Blue Hen is a domestic bird. This means it doesn’t live in the wild like some other birds. People raise Blue Hens on farms or as pets. Although it’s not a wild bird, the Blue Hen still represents Delaware’s wild spirit!
Fun Facts About the Delaware Blue Hen
- Bravery Symbol: The Blue Hen became famous because of the brave soldiers from Delaware.
- Not Really Blue: Even though they’re called Blue Hens, their feathers are more gray than blue.
- Famous Team Mascot: The University of Delaware’s mascot is the Blue Hen, showing state pride!
- Fighting Spirit: Blue Hens were known for their strength and feisty attitude during cockfights.
- Historical Honor: In 1939, Delaware made the Blue Hen its official state bird.
The Blue Hen and Delaware’s Pride
Delaware might be a small state, but it has big pride, and the Blue Hen is a huge part of that. It’s more than just a chicken; it stands for the courage and bravery of the people from Delaware. Because of its important history, people in Delaware celebrate the Blue Hen, and you can even find it on license plates!
How Can You See a Blue Hen Today?
If you’re in Delaware, you might wonder where to see a Blue Hen. Well, you can visit farms that raise them. You might also see pictures of the Blue Hen in different places across the state. And, if you ever get a chance to visit the University of Delaware, keep an eye out for their Blue Hen mascot at sports games!
Helping Kids Learn About the Blue Hen
Learning about your state bird is a fun way to know more about your state. For kids who live in Delaware, the Blue Hen is a special bird that reminds everyone of the state’s brave history. Even if you don’t live in Delaware, it’s fun to learn about the different state symbols and what they stand for.
Why Do States Have Birds?
Many states in the U.S. have chosen birds to represent them. State birds are a way to show off what makes the state special. Some states have chosen eagles, cardinals, or even seagulls! But Delaware chose the Blue Hen, showing how proud they are of their past.
Conclusion
The Delaware Blue Hen is more than just a chicken. It’s a symbol of bravery, strength, and Delaware’s unique history. Next time you think about state birds, remember the feisty Blue Hen and how it represents the heart of Delaware.
Whether you live in Delaware or are just learning about it, now you know the fun and interesting story of the Delaware Blue Hen!