| Oregon Facts for School Reports - More Symbols |
|
|
 |
| More State Symbols |
|
State Seashell: Oregon Hairy Triton
In 1848, a conchologist (shell expert) named Redfield named the Fusitriton oregonensis after the Oregon Territory. Commonly called the Oregon Hairy Triton, the shell is the only one that shares the name of a state, and is one of only three in the world named after a location.
The shells are found from Alaska to California and wash up on the Oregon coast at high tide. The Legislature named it the state shell in 1991.
State Rock: Thunderegg
The Thunderegg was named state rock by the 1965 Legislature after rockhounds throughout Oregon voted it first choice. Thundereggs range in diameter from less than one inch to over four feet. Nondescript on the outside, they reveal exquisite designs in a wide range of colors when cut and polished. They are found chiefly in Malheur, Wasco, Jefferson, Wheeler and Crook counties.
|
|
|
|
|
Oregon state gem: Sunstone
|
State Gemstone: Sunstone
The 1987 Legislature designated the Oregon Sunstone as the official state gemstone. Uncommon in its composition, clarity and colors, it is a large, brightly colored transparent gem in the feldspar family. The Oregon Sunstone attracts collectors and miners and has been identified as a boon to tourism and economic development in southeastern Oregon counties.
|
|
|
|
|
Oregon state insect: Oregon Swallowtail
|
State Insect: Oregon Swallowtail
A true native of the Northwest, the Oregon Swallowtail is at home in the lower sagebrush canyons of the Columbia River and its tributaries, including the Snake River drainage. This strikingly beautiful butterfly, predominantly yellow, is a wary, strong flier not easily captured.
|
|
|
|
|
Oregon state bird: Western Meadowlark
|
State Bird: Western Meadowlark
The Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) was chosen state bird in 1927 by Oregon's school children in a poll sponsored by the Oregon Audobon Society. Native throughout western North America, the bird has brown plumage with buff and black markings. Its underside is bright yellow with a black crescent on the breast; its outer tail feathers are mainly white and are easily visible when it flies.
The Western Meadowlark is known for its distinctive and beautiful song.
More Oregon symbols and facts
|
|
|
|
