The State Bird of Arkansas: The Northern Mockingbird

The state bird of Arkansas is the Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), a species celebrated for its remarkable vocal abilities and bold personality. Known for mimicking a wide range of sounds—from other birds to car alarms—the Northern Mockingbird was officially adopted as Arkansas’s state bird in 1929, joining several other southern states that honor this intelligent songbird. This choice reflects both the bird’s widespread presence across the state and its deep cultural resonance as a symbol of resilience, creativity, and natural beauty. As one of the most recognizable backyard birds in North America, understanding what is the state bird of Arkansas also opens the door to exploring its ecological importance, historical significance, and enduring legacy in American folklore.

History and Official Designation

The journey to becoming an official state symbol began in the early 20th century, when many U.S. states started adopting official emblems to foster regional pride and environmental awareness. In Arkansas, the campaign to select a state bird was led by schoolchildren and local ornithological societies who advocated for native species with distinctive characteristics. After careful consideration, the Northern Mockingbird emerged as the top choice due to its year-round presence, melodious song, and fearless demeanor.

On March 5, 1929, the Arkansas General Assembly formally designated the Northern Mockingbird as the official state bird through Act 241. This decision aligned Arkansas with neighboring states like Texas, Florida, and Tennessee, all of which had already chosen the same bird. The selection was not merely symbolic; it reflected a growing appreciation for native wildlife during a time when conservation movements were gaining momentum across the country.

Why the Northern Mockingbird?

Several key factors contributed to the Northern Mockingbird’s selection as Arkansas’s state bird. First and foremost is its extraordinary singing ability. Males can learn up to 200 different songs and often sing late into the night, especially under moonlight or near artificial lighting. Their repertoire includes imitations of other birds such as cardinals, jays, and thrashers, as well as mechanical noises like sirens and cell phone ringtones. This talent for mimicry has earned them admiration and even mythological status in various cultures.

Additionally, the mockingbird exhibits strong territorial behavior, fiercely defending its nest and young from predators—including cats, snakes, and humans. This protective instinct made it a fitting emblem for a state known for its independent spirit and rugged individualism. Unlike migratory birds that leave during winter, the Northern Mockingbird remains in Arkansas throughout the year, reinforcing its image as a resilient and dependable resident.

Biological Profile: Anatomy and Behavior

The Northern Mockingbird measures approximately 8–10 inches in length with a wingspan of about 12–15 inches. It has gray upperparts, white underparts, and prominent white wing patches visible in flight. Its long tail is often cocked upward, and its dark eyes give it an alert, almost curious expression. Juveniles are similar in appearance but have spotted breasts.

This species thrives in open habitats including suburban lawns, parks, agricultural fields, and forest edges. They prefer areas with scattered trees and shrubs where they can perch and survey their territory. Omnivorous by nature, mockingbirds feed on insects (especially beetles, grasshoppers, and spiders) during spring and summer, switching to berries and fruits in fall and winter.

One of the most fascinating aspects of mockingbird biology is their complex vocalizations. Singing serves multiple purposes: attracting mates, defending territory, and possibly even communicating with neighbors. Studies show that males with larger song repertoires tend to attract females more quickly and hold territories longer than those with limited repertoires.

Cultural Significance and Symbolism

Beyond its biological traits, the Northern Mockingbird holds profound symbolic meaning in American literature and culture. Perhaps most famously, Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel *To Kill a Mockingbird* uses the bird as a metaphor for innocence and moral integrity. The character Atticus Finch tells his children, “It’s a sin to kill a mockingbird,” emphasizing that these creatures do nothing but bring joy through their music and pose no threat to anyone.

In Native American traditions, particularly among some Southeastern tribes, the mockingbird is seen as a messenger between worlds, capable of carrying prayers or warnings through its voice. Its ability to imitate sounds gave it a reputation as a trickster or shape-shifter in certain myths—intelligent beings who could navigate between human and spirit realms.

In modern times, the bird continues to inspire artists, musicians, and poets. Its image appears on state license plates, school insignias, and local business logos across Arkansas, reinforcing community identity and connection to place.

How to Spot the State Bird of Arkansas

For aspiring birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, spotting the Northern Mockingbird in Arkansas is relatively easy, thanks to its adaptability and visibility. Here are practical tips for identifying and observing this iconic species:

• Listen for the song: The best way to detect a mockingbird is by sound. Listen for repeated phrases sung three or four times in succession, followed by a new sequence. Nighttime singing is common, especially in urban areas.
• Look for flash patterns: Watch for sudden flashes of white in the wings during flight. These patches are highly visible and help distinguish mockingbirds from similar-looking species like catbirds or thrashers.
\li>Observe behavior: Mockingbirds are aggressive defenders of their nests. If you see a small bird dive-bombing a cat or dog, it’s likely a mockingbird protecting its young.
• Visit preferred habitats: Parks, cemeteries, golf courses, and residential neighborhoods with fruit-bearing plants (like holly or mulberry) are ideal locations for sightings.

The best times for observation are early morning and late afternoon when birds are most active. During breeding season (March to July), males sing frequently to establish dominance and attract mates.

Conservation Status and Environmental Role

The Northern Mockingbird is currently listed as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Populations remain stable across much of the United States, including Arkansas, though localized declines have been noted in heavily urbanized areas due to habitat loss and pesticide use.

Ecologically, mockingbirds play a vital role in controlling insect populations and dispersing seeds through their droppings. By consuming berries from invasive plant species like honeysuckle and privet, they inadvertently contribute to ecosystem management—though this also raises concerns about spreading non-native flora.

To support mockingbird populations, residents can take simple steps such as planting native berry-producing shrubs, avoiding chemical pesticides, and keeping outdoor cats indoors. Participating in citizen science projects like the Audubon Christmas Bird Count or eBird helps researchers track population trends and inform conservation strategies.

Common Misconceptions About the State Bird

Despite its fame, several misconceptions surround the Northern Mockingbird. One common myth is that it only sings at night. While males do sing after dark—particularly unmated ones—most vocal activity occurs during daylight hours. Another misconception is that mockingbirds are rare or endangered. In reality, they are abundant and widespread, benefiting from human-altered landscapes.

Some people mistakenly believe the mockingbird is related to the mocking-thrush or other mimics found in Central and South America. However, the Northern Mockingbird is native exclusively to North America and belongs to the family Mimidae, which includes thrashers and tremblers.

Comparison With Other State Birds

The Northern Mockingbird holds the distinction of being the state bird of five U.S. states: Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas. This makes it the most commonly chosen state bird in the nation. Each state selected it independently, citing similar reasons—its beautiful song, hardiness, and cultural relevance.

In contrast, other states have opted for birds tied more closely to economic or historical themes. For example, the Western Meadowlark is the state bird of six states, mostly in the Great Plains, reflecting agricultural heritage. Alaska chose the Willow Ptarmigan, a cold-adapted grouse, to represent its Arctic environment.

State	State Bird	Year Adopted
Arkansas	Northern Mockingbird	1929
Texas	Northern Mockingbird	1927
Florida	Northern Mockingbird	1927
Tennessee	Northern Mockingbird	1933
Mississippi	Northern Mockingbird	1944

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Arkansas officially adopted the Northern Mockingbird as its state bird on March 5, 1929, through legislative act.

Can Northern Mockingbirds be found throughout Arkansas year-round?

Yes, Northern Mockingbirds are permanent residents in Arkansas and do not migrate, making them observable in every season.

What does the Northern Mockingbird eat?

They have a varied diet consisting of insects, spiders, earthworms, berries, and fruits. Their food sources change with the seasons.

Is it legal to keep a Northern Mockingbird as a pet?

No. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, it is illegal to capture, harm, or possess Northern Mockingbirds without federal permit.

Why do mockingbirds sing at night?

Unmated male mockingbirds often sing at night to attract a mate. Light pollution in cities can also trigger nocturnal singing behavior.