Maryland’s state bird was linked to George Calvert more than a century before Maryland became a state. The first Lord Baltimore, Calvert founded a colony on Newfoundland. He later moved to northern Virginia (now Maryland), where he was granted a large tract of land.
According to legend, Calvert discovered flocks of colorful orioles while exploring the Chesapeake country in 1629. He chose its black and orange to yellow colors for his coat of arms. At least, that’s one story. Another version says Calvert already had a coat of arms, which the bird resembled.
“Baltemore Birds” were ordered sent from Maryland to England as early as 1698. The famous naturalist Mark Catesby called the bird the “Baltimore bird” in 1731. This was reportedly the first time that name appeared in print.
In 1758, the famous European naturalist Linnaeus examined the new species. He named it the “Baltimore oriole” in honor of Lord Baltimore.
State Honors
The Maryland Legislature passed a law protecting the Baltimore oriole in 1882. No other song bird was given protection in Maryland until 1898. On June 1, 1947, Lord Baltimore’s feathered good luck charm was adopted as Maryland’s state bird.
A few years ago, scientists decided that the Baltimore oriole and the Bullock’s oriole are actually the same species. They renamed both of them the northern oriole. Later, they decided they’re separate species after all.
The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism - Paperback
