Alaska is a beautiful state with beautiful state symbols
Alaska's state bird is the Willow Ptarmigan and the state flower is the forget-me-not. You can learn plenty of interesting facts regarding these two symbols. There are several reasons to research the state symbols of Alaska. If you are a resident of Alaska you might want to show loyalty and patriotism. Learning about the symbols themselves can give you further insight as to why your state chose them and what they mean to your state.
History
Alaska adopted the forget-me-not as the state flower in 1949. Alaskan school children adopted the Willow Ptarmigan as the state bird in 1955.
Identification
According to theflowerexpert.com, forget-me-not grows in clumps. This flower has sky blue petals that are approximately a third of an inch in width and can grow to be as tall as 12 inches. The center of the flower is a yellow color with a white ring. According to statesymbolsusa.org, the forget-me-not is one of the only flowers that is a true blue color.
The Willow Ptarmigan's plumage is light brown in the summer and white in the winter. Their feathers serve as a camouflage that adapts according to season to protect the bird from its natural predators. This bird has feathered toes, a reddish brown neck and head, a red comb over the eye and a black tail and beak. The Willow Ptarmigan is approximately 13 inches in length.
Habitat
The forget-me-not is often found in alpine meadows, rocky mountains and humid fields in high altitudes. The Willow Ptarmigan migrates often and are found in fields.
Seasons
You can find the forget-me-not in Alaska during midsummer months such as June and July. You will be able to see Willow Ptarmigans in Alaska throughout the entire year.
Behavior
According to theflowerexpert.com, "The fragrant forget-me-not flowers are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by bees, flies and Lepidoptera." Lepidoptera refers to moths and butterflies.
Willow Ptarmigans are social birds that flock and feed together. Their flocks can consist of thousands of birds. The flocks usually split apart during springtime and become less social only to reunite with more flocks in winter months. Willow Ptarmigans eat mosses, lichens, seeds and berries.
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