The Mountainous State of Montana Quiz

Answer: Western meadowlark

The western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) was named the state bird of Montana in 1931. A familiar songbird of the open country of Montana, it looks beneath the soil for insects, grain and weed seeds. They nest on the ground where they construct a cup of dried grasses and bark, woven into the surrounding vegetation.

Answer: Sapphire

Due to the fact that it is mined there, Montana designated the sapphire as an official state gem stone in 1969. Montana's sapphires are mostly found in western Montana. Montana sapphires are found in the Royal Crown Jewels of England.

Answer: Blackspotted cutthroat trout

The State of Montana designated the blackspotted cutthroat trout as the official state fish in 1977. Also called westslope cutthroat trout, the blackspotted cutthroat trout is native to Montana and is on the threatened species list.

Answer: Ponderosa pine

Montana designated the Ponderosa pine to be the official State Tree in 1949. Found in the forests of Montana this tree towers over the other trees and is famous among the softwoods for its hard wood. At over 250 ft, this is the second tallest pine after the sugar pine.

Answer: Bitterroot

Montana designated bitterroot as the official state flower in 1895. Bitterroot can be found during spring and summer. Native Americans used the roots for food and trade. The bitter root of the low-growing perennial plant was cooked and usually mixed with berries or meat.

Answer: Mourning cloak butterfly

Montana named the lovely mourning cloak butterfly official state butterfly in 2010. They are often the first butterflies to emerge in the spring, frequently before the winter snow has melted. Mourning cloaks have small, hairy, brush-like front legs.

Answer: The Treasure State

The most familiar nickname for Montana is "The Treasure State" because of its rich mineral reserves. The State is known for silver, gold and sapphire mining. The mountains of Montana have yielded fortunes in gold and silver since the first substantial deposits were discovered in the mid 1800s.

Answer: True

In 1983 the grizzly bears was named the State Animal. They can be found in Glacier National Park and the mountains of northwest Montana. They are the largest carnivores in America. Grizzly bears are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plants as well as fish, insects and small mammals.

Answer: False

The commemorative quarter for Montana shows a bison skull, mountains, the Missouri river. The bison skull is a sacred symbol to many of Montana's Native American tribes. It honors the rich Native tradition of Montana and is found on schools, license plates, and road signs across the state.

Answer: Missouri River

The Montana flag displays the state seal on a field of deep blue. A sunrise shines over the snowy mountains. The Missouri River, mountains, hills, trees, and cliffs are shown. Then there are three tools (a pick, a shovel, and a plow) which are symbols of Montana's mining and farming history.