New York: State Flag, Bird and Facts
New York chose the eastern bluebird as its state bird and the rose as its state flower.
- Capital
- Albany
- Nickname
- The Empire State
- State bird
- Eastern bluebird
- State flower
- Rose
- State tree
- Sugar maple
- Admitted
- July 26, 1788
- Population
- 20,201,249 (2020 census)
- Mottos and slogans
- I Love New York; Excelsior
- Region
- Northeast
- Area
- 141,300 km² (54,556 sq mi)
- Highest point
- Mount Marcy (5,343 ft)
- Borders
- Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont
About New York
More than 20 million people call New York home, making it the fourth-most populous state. Downstate holds New York City, the biggest city in the nation, and Long Island, which alone has roughly 40% of the state's residents. Upstate reaches east from the Great Lakes as far as Lake Champlain, taking in the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains. Albany, the capital, sits where the Mohawk Valley meets the Hudson.
The flag shows the state coat of arms on solid blue. In the center, a ship and a sloop sail the Hudson River below mountains and a rising sun. Liberty stands on the left with a cap on a pole and a crown under her foot, while a blindfolded Justice holds scales and a sword on the right. An eagle on a globe tops the shield, and a banner below reads Excelsior.
Did you know?
- Mount Marcy, at 5,343 feet, is the highest point in New York.
- The sugar maple is the official state tree of New York.
- The New York coat of arms on the flag was first adopted in 1778.
Questions about New York
What does Excelsior mean on the New York flag?
Excelsior is Latin for higher and is often translated as Ever Upward. It is the official state motto.
What is the capital of New York?
Albany is the capital. New York City is the most populous city.
Sources
- Wikidata Q1384, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: New York, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Coat of arms of New York, checked October 8, 2026
Facts are compiled from these open sources and rewritten in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.