When you've accomplished as much as Sue Bird, it's only fitting that your name becomes part of the state's identity. The basketball legend—already a Hall of Famer, four-time WNBA champion, and five-time Olympic gold medalist—is about to add a truly unique title to her resume: Connecticut's co-state bird.
Under a bill recently approved by the Connecticut legislature and now heading to Governor Ned Lamont's desk, Bird will share the state bird designation every March with the American robin, starting next year. That's right—for one month each year, the Constitution State will officially have two state birds.
"I think it's a great honor," said state House Speaker Matt Ritter. "When this bill is adopted, if the governor signs it, the month of March we will have two state birds."
It's a fitting tribute for a player who has brought so much pride to Connecticut. Bird first captured hearts as the star point guard for the University of Connecticut Huskies, leading the team to two national titles and an undefeated season in her final year in 2002. From there, she built a legendary 19-year career with the Seattle Storm, earning 13 All-Star selections and becoming the WNBA's all-time leader in assists, starts, and minutes played before retiring in 2022. Last year, she was enshrined into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
While Bird's representatives didn't immediately respond to requests for comment, she shared the news on social media. Her "Bird's Eye View" podcast Instagram account posted, "What an honor," alongside a throwback photo from her UConn playing days.
The state bird designation is tucked into just a few lines of a 111-page bill covering a wide range of unrelated matters. It received final legislative approval on Wednesday and is expected to be signed into law by Governor Lamont, who has previously proclaimed Connecticut the basketball capital of the world—thanks in no small part to the dominance of UConn's women's and men's basketball programs.
The bill reads: "The American robin, Turdus migratorius, shall be the state bird, provided in the month of March of each year, the American robin and Suzanne Brigit Bird, also known as Sue Bird..." You get the idea. Come March, Connecticut will be celebrating two icons: the American robin and the woman who made the state proud on the court.