Spectra of the FeCN radical have been measured using Fourier-transform microwave (FTMW) techniques. This species was created in a supersonic jet by laser-ablation of iron, coupled with a dc discharge, in the presence (CN)(2). The lowest rotational transition of FeCN near 36 GHz was recorded. The observation of this transition, the J = 9/2 -> 7/2 line in the Omega = 7/2 spin-orbit component, conclusively establishes that FeCN has a (4)Delta(i) ground electronic state, rather a (6)Delta state, as predicted by theory. The FTMW spectrum of NiCN (X-2 Delta(i)) was also measured; small nitrogen hyperfine splitting was observed in both molecules. (C) 2011 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.