Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas named the Northern Mockingbird their official state bird. Although not as colorful as either the Northern Cardinal or the Western Meadowlark, the Northern Mockingbird's song repertoire is unmatched by either of the two more popular choices.
Officially Designated State Birds
In 1926, Kentucky became the first state to claim a bird as one of its official symbols. Over time, all 50 of the states and the District of Columbia, have named official birds. Kentucky's choice, the Northern Cardinal, was emulated by six other states, making it the most popular choice. Curiously, only a minority of states have unique state birds, such as the Greater Roadrunner in New Mexico or Arizona's Cactus Wren.
Thirty states, on the other hand, share selected birds. The Black-capped Chickadee, the Eastern Bluebird and the Mountain Bluebird were each chosen by two states. Three states selected the American Robin, while three others named the American Goldfinch. The second most popular bird is the Western Meadowlark, recognized by six states, and five states put the Northern Mockingbird into third place.
Texas was the First State to Choose the Northern Mockingbird
Less than a year after Kentucky chose the Cardinal, the Texas Legislature approved the Mockingbird on January 31, 1927. The state Federations of Women's Clubs were instrumental in the selection of many state birds, and the Texas Federation had suggested the Mockingbird. The Legislature noted that the bird was found throughout Texas, that it was popular and a "distinctive singer."
On April 23, 1927, the Florida Senate approved Concurrent Resolution Number 3 adopting the same bird. That resolution noted the bird's "matchless charm", that it was found throughout the state and that "the melody of its music has delighted the heart of residents and visitors."
The Arkansas General Assembly followed with a similar resolution on March 5, 1929, citing in part contributions of the state Federation of Women's Clubs toward the protection of state birds. Four years later, on April 19, 1933, the Tennessee Senate passed Joint Resolution Number 51 adopting the Mockingbird as the state bird. However, rather than relying on a recommendation from a single organization, Tennessee's choice reflected results of a statewide election sponsored by the Tennessee Ornithological Society. The society conducted an education campaign followed by a vote to determine the people's preference. More than 72,000 votes were cast, and the result was a narrow victory by the Mockingbird, just 480 votes more than the American Robin.
Lastly, the Mississippi Federation of Women's Clubs successfully lobbied the Legislature to adopt the Mockingbird, and the Governor signed that legislation on February 23, 1944.
The Northern Mockingbird
The Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is a widespread year-round resident of most of the lower 48 states (and Mexico), and is, in fact, found throughout all five of the states that have named it. It belongs to the Mimidae family, one of 11 North American species in 4 genera, which include the Gray Catbird and the thrashers. Mimid is Latin for "mimic", and the Northern Mockingbird's scientific name translates to "multilingual mimic", quite appropriate for a bird that specializes in vocalizing other birds' songs and calls.
The Northern Mockingbird is 10 inches in length, with a wingspan of 14 inches. Mostly gray and white, the bird has white wing patches that distinguish it from other mimids. They flash these white patches during displays, and while foraging on the ground, possibly to frighten insects out of hiding. Besides insects, their diet includes fruit, berries, snails and even crayfish. Well-adapted to suburban neighborhoods, Northern Mockingbirds have multiple broods, laying 3-5 eggs. The altricial young fledge in about 12 days after a similar period of incubation.
An amazing song repertoire is their best-known characteristic, and is reflected in the English, Spanish (Pájaro Burlón) and scientific names. The changeable repertoire of males can include more than 150 songs, and new songs, mostly mimicking other local birds, are continuously added. There are documented cases of imitations of non-local species, as well, suggesting that some songs are learned through travel, perhaps even that involving multiple generations. Mockingbirds direct most of their singing toward prospective and established mates, and those with greater repertoires appear to be the most successful.
The Third Most Popular State Bird Choice
The Northern Mockingbird would be a logical choice for most states. It is commonly found, conspicuous, not brilliantly colored, but beautiful nonetheless, and its melodious stock of songs is astonishing and captivating.
For information about other official state birds, see the following articles:
- The Most Popular State Bird, The Northern Cardinal
- The Second Most Popular State Bird, the Western Meadowlark
- The American Robin, State Bird of Connecticut, Michigan and Wisconsin
- The Black-capped Chickadee, State Bird of Maine and Massachusetts
- The Greater Roadrunner, New Mexico's State Bird
- The Cactus Wren, State Bird of Arizona
- Oklahoma's State Bird, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
- The Purple Finch, State Bird of the Granite State, New Hampshire
References:
Elphick, Chris, Dunning, Jr., John B. and Sibley, David Allen (editors), (2001), The Sibley Guide to Bird Life & Behavior, Alfred A. Knopf, ISBN 0679451234
Ehrlich, Paul R., Dobkin, David S. and Wheye, Darryl, (1988), The Birder's Handbook, Simon and Schuster, 0671621335
Gill, Frank B., (1995), Ornithology (second ed.), W. H. Freeman & Company, ISBN 0716724154
Bob Bowers - A lifelong naturalist and amateur ornithologist, Bob's avocation is studying, photographing and writing about birds.
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