10/Maryland Manual

STATE BIRD. The Baltimore Oriole {Itterusgal-
bula) is the official Maryland bird (Chapter 54, Acts
of 1947). Special provisions have been made for its
protection (Chapter 154, Acts of 1882; Code State
Government Article, sec. 13-302). The oriole's
plumage of black and yellow, the same colors as in
the Calvert shield, led to its early association with
the name of the proprietor. In 1698, "Baltemore
Birds" were among the "Beasts of Curriosiry" or-
dered sent from Maryland to grace the royal gar-
dens (Archives of Maryland 23:455-56).

STATE BOAT. The skipjack was designated the
State Boat in 1985 (Chapter 788, Acts of 1985;
Code Stare Government Article, sec. 13-312).
Slapjacks, named after a leaping fish, are the last
working boats under sail in the United States. In
winter, they dredge oysters from the floor of
Chesapeake Bay.

STATE CRUSTACEAN. In 1989, the Maryland
Blue Crab (Callinecw Sapidus) was designated the
State Crustacean (Chapter 724, Acts of 1989;
Code State Government Article, sec. 13-301 (b)).

STATE DOG. In 1964, the Chesapeake Bay
Retriever was declared the official dog of Maryland
(Chapter 156, Acts of 1964; Code State Govern-
ment Article, sec. 13-303).