The State Bird of Tennessee Is the Northern Mockingbird

The state bird of Tennessee is the Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), a species renowned for its remarkable vocal abilities and fearless personality. Officially designated as Tennessee's state symbol in 1933, the Northern Mockingbird stands out not only for its melodic song but also for its cultural significance across the American South. As one of the most frequently asked ornithological queries—what is the state bird for Tennessee—the answer reflects both biological distinction and regional pride. This intelligent songbird, known for mimicking everything from other birds to mechanical sounds, thrives throughout the state’s urban parks, suburban gardens, and open woodlands.

Historical Background: How the Northern Mockingbird Became Tennessee’s State Bird

Tennessee officially adopted the Northern Mockingbird as its state bird on April 19, 1933, replacing the now-extinct Passenger Pigeon, which had been named the state bird decades earlier in 1894. The shift came after growing recognition that the Passenger Pigeon no longer existed in the wild—its last known individual, Martha, died at the Cincinnati Zoo in 1914. With increasing public interest in meaningful and living state symbols, the Tennessee General Assembly turned to the Northern Mockingbird, a bird already celebrated for its presence and song across the region.

The selection process involved input from schoolchildren, naturalists, and civic organizations. The mockingbird emerged as a favorite due to its year-round residency in Tennessee, its bold behavior, and its extraordinary singing ability. Unlike migratory species that leave during winter months, the Northern Mockingbird remains active and vocal throughout the year, making it a constant companion to Tennesseans.

Biological Profile: Understanding Mimus polyglottos

The Northern Mockingbird belongs to the family Mimidae, which includes thrashers and catbirds. It measures approximately 8–10 inches in length with a wingspan of about 12–15 inches. Its plumage is predominantly gray above and lighter below, with distinctive white wing patches visible during flight and fan displays. These flashes of white serve both as territorial signals and anti-predator mechanisms.

One of the most defining traits of the Northern Mockingbird is its complex vocal repertoire. Males can learn over 200 different songs and calls throughout their lives, drawing from environmental sounds including car alarms, barking dogs, and other bird species. Singing occurs throughout the day and often extends into the night, especially during breeding season and under bright moonlight or artificial lighting.

Biological Feature	Description
Scientific Name	Mimus polyglottos
Length	8–10 inches (20–25 cm)
Wingspan	12–15 inches (30–38 cm)
Habitat	Open areas, lawns, parks, forest edges, urban environments
Diet	Insects, berries, fruits, seeds
Lifespan (wild)	Up to 8 years; record over 14 years
Nesting Season	March through August

Cultural Significance of the Mockingbird in Southern Identity

Beyond its official status, the Northern Mockingbird holds deep cultural resonance, particularly in the American South. It appears in literature, music, and folklore as a symbol of resilience, intelligence, and artistic expression. Harper Lee’s novel *To Kill a Mockingbird* cemented the bird’s symbolic role as an innocent creature whose destruction represents moral wrongdoing. While the book is set in Alabama, its themes resonate across Southern states—including Tennessee—where the bird is both admired and protected by tradition.

In many Southern communities, harming a mockingbird is considered taboo, rooted in the belief that these birds bring good luck and harmony. Their persistent singing, especially at night, has inspired countless folk tales, with some believing that hearing a mockingbird sing after midnight foretells change or spiritual visitation.

Why Did Tennessee Choose the Mockingbird Over Other Birds?

When evaluating potential replacements for the extinct Passenger Pigeon, several birds were considered, including the Cardinal and the Bobwhite Quail. However, the Northern Mockingbird won favor for multiple reasons:

• Vocal Talent: Its ability to mimic various sounds made it stand out as uniquely expressive.
• Year-Round Presence: Unlike seasonal migrants, it resides in Tennessee all year, enhancing its symbolic continuity.
• Fearless Demeanor: Known to defend nests aggressively—even against cats and humans—it embodies courage and tenacity.
• Ubiquity: Found in nearly every county, from Memphis to Bristol, it represents statewide unity.

Additionally, the mockingbird does not pose agricultural threats, unlike some other native species, making it widely acceptable among farmers and city dwellers alike.

Where and When to Observe the Northern Mockingbird in Tennessee

For birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts asking “what is the state bird for Tennessee,” actually seeing one in the wild is both rewarding and accessible. The Northern Mockingbird prefers open habitats with scattered trees and shrubs, such as residential neighborhoods, golf courses, cemeteries, and woodland edges.

The best times to observe mockingbirds are early morning and late afternoon when they are most active in foraging and singing. During spring and summer, males perform elaborate courtship flights and songs to attract mates. In winter, they become more solitary but remain highly visible, especially when perched prominently on fences, rooftops, or treetops.

Notable locations for spotting them include:

• Shelby Farms Park (Memphis): Large green space with abundant insect life and berry-producing plants.
• Cheekwood Estate & Gardens (Nashville): Manicured landscapes attract mockingbirds seeking nesting sites.
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park (edge zones): Lower elevation openings near Gatlinburg and Townsend support populations.
• Radnor Lake State Park (Nashville): Protected area offering undisturbed habitat near urban centers.

Tips for Attracting Northern Mockingbirds to Your Yard

If you're interested in supporting Tennessee’s state bird in your own backyard, consider these practical steps:

1. Plant Native Berry-Bearing Shrubs: Species like holly, mulberry, blackberry, and sumac provide essential food sources, especially in colder months.
2. Avoid Chemical Pesticides: Mockingbirds feed heavily on insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and spiders. A chemical-free yard supports healthier prey populations.
3. Provide Open Perching Areas: Maintain low tree branches, fence lines, or poles where mockingbirds can survey their territory.
4. Limit Outdoor Cats: Domestic cats are a leading cause of bird mortality. Keeping pets indoors protects mockingbirds and other wildlife.
5. Install a Birdbath: Fresh water for drinking and bathing increases the likelihood of regular visits.

Note: While feeding stations aren't typically used by mockingbirds, nearby platforms with fruit scraps (like apple slices or raisins) may occasionally draw them in.

Common Misconceptions About the Northern Mockingbird

Despite its popularity, several myths persist about this iconic bird:

• Misconception: Mockingbirds are aggressive toward people without reason.
  Truth: They only attack when defending nests during breeding season, usually diving at perceived threats within a few feet of the nest.
• Misconception: All mockingbirds sing nonstop all night.
  Truth: Only unmated males tend to sing at night, and light pollution can exacerbate this behavior.
• Misconception: They damage fruit crops significantly.
  Truth: While they eat some fruit, their diet is mostly insect-based, making them beneficial for pest control.

Legal Protection and Conservation Status

The Northern Mockingbird is protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which makes it illegal to harm, capture, or possess the bird, its eggs, or its nests without a permit. Tennessee enforces these protections strictly, and violations can result in fines up to $15,000 and six months in prison.

Currently, the species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, with stable or increasing populations across its range. However, habitat loss due to urban sprawl and pesticide use poses long-term risks. Climate change may also alter migration patterns and food availability in coming decades.

Comparison With Other State Birds

Tennessee is not alone in honoring the mockingbird: Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Texas, and Tennessee all share the Northern Mockingbird as their official state bird—the most shared avian symbol in the U.S. This widespread adoption underscores its regional importance and adaptability.

In contrast, neighboring Kentucky and Virginia chose the Northern Cardinal, while North Carolina selected the Northern Cardinal as well. This highlights differing regional values—some states emphasizing color and visibility, others valuing song and symbolism.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When did Tennessee adopt the Northern Mockingbird as its state bird?

Tennessee officially adopted the Northern Mockingbird on April 19, 1933, replacing the extinct Passenger Pigeon.

Can you keep a Northern Mockingbird as a pet?

No. It is illegal under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to keep a mockingbird as a pet, harm it, or remove its nest without authorization.

Do Northern Mockingbirds migrate?

Most populations in Tennessee are non-migratory and remain in the same area year-round, though northern parts of their range may see seasonal movements.

Why do mockingbirds sing at night?

Unmated males often sing at night to attract a mate, and artificial lighting in cities can trigger extended singing hours.

How can I tell a mockingbird apart from similar birds?

Look for pale gray plumage, long tail, and prominent white wing patches visible in flight. Their habit of flicking wings open while perched is also distinctive.

Understanding what is the state bird for Tennessee goes beyond memorizing a name—it connects residents and visitors alike to the natural heritage, ecological balance, and cultural identity of the Volunteer State. Whether heard echoing through a Nashville neighborhood at dawn or seen defending a shrub-lined yard in Knoxville, the Northern Mockingbird remains a vibrant emblem of Tennessee’s enduring relationship with the natural world.