Ace the Utah Citizenship Exam 2025 – Unlock Your American Dream Today!

The state bird of Utah is the California gull. This bird was designated as the state bird in 1955 due to its historical significance in the state. The California gull played a crucial role in the early settlement of Utah when it helped to control a plague of crickets that threatened to devastate the crops of the Mormon pioneers in 1848. The appearance of these gulls, and their feasting on the crickets, was seen as a miraculous event, thereby earning the gull a place of honor in Utah's history and culture.

In contrast, while the Western meadowlark is a popular bird in Utah and is known for its beautiful song, it has not been officially designated as the state bird. The peregrine falcon is notable for being one of the fastest animals on the planet but does not hold the title of state bird. The American robin is commonly found across the United States and is well-loved, but again, it is not the state bird of Utah. Therefore, the California gull stands out as a symbol of both the natural wildlife of Utah and the early experiences of its settlers.