The Jayhawk is the mascot of the University of Kansas sports teams which are called Jayhawks. The Jayhawk has become an unofficial state bird of Kansas, and is a nickname used for Kansans. The familiar image of the crimson, blue, & yellow has changed several times over the years. The earliest drawings of the bird were done totally in blue with elongated legs and a rounded beak. The next iteration took on the visage of a raven with a yellowed beak. During World War II, the Jayhawk took on a somewhat more serious look with a sharper beak and angry eyes, giving it the look of a 'fighting' mascot. Today's hawk is far more jovial and welcoming, looking more like a cartoon character than before.
