1. Louisiana – Pelican (State Bird)
Louisiana’s brown pelican is officially heroic, even appearing on the state flag, but locals often have mixed feelings. The bird is messy, smelly, and not exactly majestic up close. Watching pelicans dive for fish is fascinating, sure, but it doesn’t always inspire the same pride as jazz or Creole cuisine. Some jokingly call it “the clumsy state mascot.”
The pelican’s image on official documents is elegant, but in reality, the bird isn’t graceful on land. Tourists might think it’s cool, but residents know its quirks. It’s a symbol of generosity (the pelican feeds its young with its own blood, according to legend), yet many locals just see a big, awkward seabird. So, it’s a love-hate relationship at best.
2. Alabama – Yellowhammer (State Bird)
Alabama chose the yellowhammer as its state bird back in the 1920s, and technically it’s cute and patriotic. But locals often roll their eyes because it’s just a plain little bird, and not exactly the flashy symbol most states would pick. It’s a nod to Civil War history, but that connection doesn’t really make it more exciting. Some Alabamians joke that it’s basically the bird equivalent of beige carpeting.
The yellowhammer also doesn’t show up much in modern pop culture or even in the state’s tourism campaigns. Birdwatchers may appreciate it, but the average resident hardly notices it. Many feel a cooler, more iconic bird could have represented Alabama better. So, it quietly sits in textbooks while everyone silently sighs.
3. Maine – Chickadee (State Bird)
Maine’s chickadee is tiny, cheerful, and a favorite of bird enthusiasts, but some Mainers find it a bit underwhelming as a state symbol. It’s sweet, sure, but it doesn’t scream “Maine pride” compared to the rugged coastline or the mighty moose. Locals often say it feels like choosing the “cute kid” of birds rather than one with presence. The chickadee is loved for its song, but not really for making a bold statement.
Even its name can be a point of embarrassment. Chickadee sounds almost like a nickname rather than a serious emblem. In state campaigns or souvenirs, it often gets overshadowed by lobsters and lighthouses. Many Mainers treat it as more of a “nice filler” than a true symbol.
4. Ohio – Carnation (State Flower)
Ohio picked the carnation as its state flower to honor President William McKinley, who was assassinated in 1901. That’s historically interesting, but locals sometimes joke that carnations feel outdated, like something your grandma would wear on a Sunday hat. It doesn’t exactly capture the Buckeye State’s bold, industrial spirit. The bright pinks and reds are nice, but they rarely inspire much pride.
When people see the carnation, they often think more about corsages at weddings than state identity. Florists may appreciate it, but Ohioans in general barely notice it. Some wish the state had gone with a flower native to Ohio’s wild landscapes instead. Instead, the carnation quietly lives on official documents while locals keep their enthusiasm in check.
5. Idaho – Syringa (State Flower)
The syringa, a lilac-like plant, is Idaho’s official flower, and it blooms beautifully in spring. But many Idahoans feel it’s a little… soft for a state famous for potatoes and rugged mountains. It doesn’t exactly scream “adventure” or “tough outdoors.” Instead, it’s the kind of flower you’d expect in a tidy suburban garden rather than in the Wild West.
The choice came from a 1930s contest, but locals today sometimes call it forgettable. While attractive, it’s not particularly unique to Idaho. People tend to think of potatoes first when they imagine the state. So the syringa sits in government offices while tourists and residents alike barely take notice.
6. Nevada – Sagebrush (State Flower)
Sagebrush is everywhere in Nevada, which made it an obvious choice as the state flower. But many locals feel it’s kind of a boring, scrubby plant that doesn’t feel celebratory. Unlike flashy state flowers in other regions, sagebrush is tough and resilient—but not exactly inspiring. Its dusty, muted appearance doesn’t exactly scream “Welcome to Nevada!”
Residents often joke that the plant perfectly represents the state’s desert monotony. It’s practical, yes, but hardly glamorous. In a state known for Las Vegas glitz, sagebrush feels almost anti-climactic. Still, it’s officially symbolic, whether locals care or not.
7. South Dakota – Pasque Flower (State Flower)
South Dakota chose the pasque flower, a delicate purple bloom, as its state flower. It’s pretty, but locals sometimes feel it’s a bit too fragile to represent their rugged landscapes and prairie heritage. You wouldn’t exactly call it bold or attention-grabbing. For some, it feels like the state picked the “prettiest thing it could find” instead of something iconic.
The pasque flower blooms early in spring, which is charming, but not exactly memorable to everyone. Many South Dakotans barely know what it looks like. It rarely shows up on souvenirs or in marketing campaigns. For locals, it quietly exists in textbooks and government seals more than in hearts.
8. Oregon – Douglas Fir (State Tree)
Oregon’s Douglas fir is famous in forestry circles, but the average Oregonian often treats it as a bit of a cliché. Sure, it’s tall and iconic, but it’s also just… a tree. Oregon has mountains, beaches, and quirky culture, yet the symbol feels like a “safe” choice. Many locals feel it doesn’t have much personality beyond being green and tall.
It’s the state tree because it’s economically and ecologically important, but people often joke about it being “boring forest décor.” Hiking enthusiasts love it, sure, but it doesn’t have a pop culture presence. For tourists, it might be impressive, but locals hardly boast about it. The Douglas fir is solid and dependable, but not exactly flashy.
9. Texas – Mockingbird (State Bird)
Texas picked the northern mockingbird as its state bird, probably because it’s common across the state. But locals sometimes cringe because, honestly, it looks like every other gray bird and sings mostly random songs. It doesn’t have the dramatic flair you might expect from Texas. For many, it feels like the state could have picked something with a little more “wow.”
The mockingbird is clever and can mimic other birds’ calls, which is neat, but it rarely earns pride points. Texans often joke that it’s “the bird everyone ignores.” It shows up in government seals and license plates, yet most residents hardly notice it in everyday life. The choice is historically fine but socially underwhelming.
10. Vermont – Maple (State Tree/Emblem)
Vermont loves its maple trees, mostly because maple syrup is famous worldwide. But locals sometimes feel a little embarrassed about how “cute” the symbol is. Sure, syrup is delicious, but does a sticky treat really represent the state’s rugged mountains and independent spirit? Some Vermonters think a stronger, more dramatic symbol would make more sense.
Maple leaves show up on everything from license plates to signs, but they don’t exactly spark awe. The syrup industry gets more attention than the tree itself. Residents enjoy it, but often in a tongue-in-cheek way. It’s more of a sweet nod to tradition than a symbol of power.
11. Wisconsin – Badger (State Animal)
The badger is supposed to represent Wisconsin’s pioneering spirit, but locals sometimes feel it’s a little underwhelming. For one, badgers are small, burrowing animals—not exactly majestic creatures. They’re scrappy, sure, but that doesn’t always translate to state pride. Many residents joke that it’s “cute but not scary enough” to symbolize Wisconsin toughness.
Historically, the name stuck because miners lived in tunnels like badgers, but that context is mostly lost today. Sports teams and cheese factories often overshadow the animal itself. It’s a quirky choice that makes sense in theory but not always in everyday admiration. So, locals quietly tolerate it more than celebrate it.
12. Kentucky – Cardinal (State Bird)
Kentucky picked the cardinal as its state bird decades ago, and while it’s visually striking, locals have mixed feelings. The bird is lovely, but it’s also common across much of the country. Many Kentuckians joke that it’s “generic bird territory.” It’s bright and cheerful but lacks the uniqueness that might make it memorable as a state symbol.
The cardinal shows up on official documents and license plates, but it rarely inspires strong emotions. Some residents would rather have something tied to bourbon, horses, or bluegrass music. The bird is fine, but it doesn’t exactly excite conversation. Kentuckyans mostly accept it with a polite shrug.
13. Wyoming – Bison (State Mammal)
The bison is big, historic, and deeply tied to Wyoming’s identity, but locals sometimes feel it’s a bit overused. You see it on license plates, park signs, and souvenirs everywhere, which can make it feel more like a cliché than a prideful emblem. The animal is impressive in theory, but constant exposure can breed mild embarrassment. Some jokingly say, “Yes, we have bison. We know.”
It’s a symbol of strength and wilderness, yet tourists love it more than residents. People in Wyoming often want something less obvious to define them. While the bison is undeniably important, its omnipresence sometimes makes locals roll their eyes. It’s a classic case of a strong symbol losing charm through overexposure.
This post 13 State Symbols That Locals Secretly Think Are Embarrassing was first published on American Charm.
