Connecticut State Flower and State Bird
Robin ~ Turdus migratorius
In the northern part of the United States, the Robin is a sure sign that the frigid spell of winter is broken and spring has arrived. Hopping across a lawn, he stabs the ground with his sharp beak and comes up with an earthworm or beetle grub, two of his favorite foods. A member of the thrush family, the Robin is one of the most beloved of all birds and, because of its distinctive brick-red vest, is one of the most widely recognized. The Robins were among the first birds seen by the Pilgrims when they arrived in America, and thus they named it after another thrush, the red-breasted Robin of Europe.
Mountain Laurel ~ Kalmia latifolia
Just as surely as spring brings the song of the Robin, it also brings the delicate pink blossoms of the Mountain Laurel. When examined closely, the flowers resemble parasols, but their fragile looks are deceiving. The stamens in this flower are like explosive devices. They are bent like bows, and when touched they shower pollen over the intruder, usually an insect foraging for honey.
From The Wildflowers of the 50 States U.S. stamps issued July 24, 1992:
Connecticut Wildflower - Blue Flag
Art from the 50-stamp series, State Birds and Flowers,
issued April 14, 1982 simultaneously in all state capitals.
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