What Is the State Bird of Mississippi?

The state bird of Mississippi is the Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), a highly vocal and intelligent songbird celebrated for its remarkable ability to mimic the calls of other birds and even mechanical sounds. Chosen for its widespread presence and cultural significance, the Northern Mockingbird has been Mississippi's official state bird since 1944. This selection reflects both the bird’s ecological adaptability and its deep-rooted symbolism in Southern American culture. As one of the most recognizable backyard birds in the region, understanding what is the state bird of Mississippi offers insight into the state’s natural heritage and avian biodiversity.

Historical Background: How the Northern Mockingbird Became Mississippi’s Symbol

The designation of the Northern Mockingbird as Mississippi’s state bird was formalized on February 23, 1944, when the Mississippi Legislature passed House Bill No. 395. Prior to this, the state did not have an official avian emblem, despite growing interest in adopting state symbols during the early 20th century. The push to select a state bird came largely from schoolchildren and local ornithological societies who advocated for a species that was both native and emblematic of Mississippi’s natural environment.

The Northern Mockingbird emerged as the top choice due to its prevalence across the state, its melodious songs, and its fearless demeanor. Unlike migratory species that only pass through seasonally, the mockingbird is a permanent resident, often seen perched prominently on fences, rooftops, or treetops, defending its territory with vigor. Its reputation for loyalty to its home range mirrored values of resilience and pride—qualities many Mississippians identified with.

Biological Profile: Understanding the Northern Mockingbird

To fully appreciate why the state bird of Mississippi is the Northern Mockingbird, it’s important to understand its biological traits and behaviors. Here are key characteristics that define this remarkable species:

Scientific Name: Mimus polyglottos (meaning "many-tongued mimic")
Length: 8–11 inches (20–28 cm)
Wingspan: 12–15 inches (30–38 cm)
Weight: 1.6–2.0 ounces (45–58 g)
Lifespan: Up to 8 years in the wild, though some individuals live over 10 years
Diet: Omnivorous; eats insects, berries, fruits, seeds, and occasionally small lizards
Habitat: Open areas with sparse vegetation, suburban lawns, parks, and forest edges

One of the most striking features of the Northern Mockingbird is its complex vocal repertoire. Males can learn and repeat hundreds of different phrases, mimicking blue jays, cardinals, car alarms, and even cell phone ringtones. They sing throughout the day and often well into the night, especially during breeding season or under bright moonlight.

Cultural Significance and Symbolism

The Northern Mockingbird holds a special place in American literature and folklore, particularly in the South. It appears prominently in Harper Lee’s classic novel *To Kill a Mockingbird*, where it symbolizes innocence and moral integrity. The idea that “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” because they do nothing but sing beautifully for people resonates deeply in regional consciousness.

In Mississippi, the bird represents vigilance, adaptability, and artistic expression. Its persistent song and bold defense of nests reflect a spirit of tenacity—traits admired by residents. Additionally, the mockingbird’s ability to imitate various sounds has led to associations with communication, intelligence, and cultural synthesis.

Range and Distribution Across Mississippi

The Northern Mockingbird is found statewide, from the Delta region to the Gulf Coast. It thrives in urban, suburban, and rural environments alike. While populations remain stable overall, habitat fragmentation and pesticide use pose localized threats. However, their adaptability allows them to persist in developed areas where native vegetation has been replaced by lawns and gardens.

Seasonal behavior varies slightly depending on location within the state. In southern Mississippi, mockingbirds are active year-round with little change in movement patterns. In northern counties, minor shifts may occur during harsh winters, but true migration is rare. This consistent presence reinforces its suitability as a state symbol.

How to Identify the Northern Mockingbird

For beginning birdwatchers wondering what bird is the state bird of Mississippi, visual and auditory cues are essential. Key identification markers include:

Gray upperparts and whitish underparts
Prominent white wing patches visible in flight
Long tail with white outer feathers
Frequent tail flicking while walking or perched
Repetitive singing of 3–5 phrases repeated multiple times

When observing, listen first. The mockingbird’s song is unmistakable once learned. It sings from high vantage points and will often respond aggressively to recordings or mirrors, mistaking them for intruders.

Conservation Status and Legal Protections

The Northern Mockingbird is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, making it illegal to harm, capture, or possess the bird, its eggs, or nests without federal permit. Despite being common, this protection ensures that human activities do not threaten local populations.

In Mississippi, no specific state-level conservation programs target the mockingbird exclusively, but broader initiatives promoting native landscaping and reduced pesticide use benefit the species indirectly. Urban planning that incorporates green spaces also supports healthy mockingbird communities.

Attracting Northern Mockingbirds to Your Yard

If you're interested in observing Mississippi’s state bird up close, consider these practical tips for attracting Northern Mockingbirds to your property:

Plant native berry-producing shrubs: Examples include holly, mulberry, blackberry, and yaupon. These provide food during winter months.
Maintain open lawns with scattered trees: Mockingbirds prefer habitats with clear sightlines for spotting predators and rivals.
Avoid chemical pesticides: These reduce insect populations, a primary food source during spring and summer.
Provide water sources: A birdbath or shallow fountain encourages bathing and drinking.
Limit outdoor cats: Domestic felines are a leading cause of nest predation and adult mortality.

Note: While feeding mockingbirds directly is uncommon (they rarely visit seed feeders), offering fruit such as oranges or raisins on platform feeders may attract them occasionally.

Common Misconceptions About Mississippi’s State Bird

Despite its fame, several myths surround the Northern Mockingbird. Addressing these helps clarify why the state bird of Mississippi is the mockingbird and what makes it unique:

Myth: Mockingbirds are aggressive toward humans.
Fact: They defend nests fiercely during breeding season but pose no real danger. Most interactions involve dive-bombing pets or perceived threats near fledglings.
Myth: All mockingbirds sing at night.
Fact: Only unmated males typically sing nocturnally; mated males usually stop after pairing.
Myth: The mockingbird is exclusive to Mississippi.
Fact: It is also the state bird of Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee, and Texas—more than any other U.S. state.

Comparison With Other State Birds

The Northern Mockingbird shares its honor with more states than any other official bird, highlighting its broad appeal across the southern United States. Below is a comparison table showing where else the mockingbird serves as a state symbol:

State	Year Adopted	Notes
Mississippi	1944	Chosen for its year-round presence and song
Texas	1927	First state to adopt the mockingbird
Arkansas	1929	Selected by schoolchildren in a statewide vote
Florida	1927	Valued for its beauty and musical talent
Tennessee	1933	Symbolizes joy and freedom

Role in Education and Citizen Science

Schools across Mississippi often incorporate the Northern Mockingbird into science curricula, using it as a case study in animal behavior, ecology, and conservation. Programs like the Great Backyard Bird Count and eBird encourage students and amateur naturalists to submit sightings, contributing valuable data on population trends.

Teachers can enhance learning by organizing listening exercises to distinguish mockingbird songs from those of other species, or by conducting nesting surveys in local parks. These activities foster environmental stewardship and deepen public appreciation for Mississippi’s official bird.

Final Thoughts: Why the Northern Mockingbird Endures as a Symbol

Understanding what is the state bird of Mississippi goes beyond memorizing a name—it connects residents and visitors alike to the state’s ecological identity and cultural narrative. The Northern Mockingbird embodies qualities of perseverance, creativity, and resilience. Whether heard echoing through a quiet neighborhood at dawn or seen chasing off crows from a backyard tree, it remains a familiar and cherished presence.

As urbanization continues and climate patterns shift, maintaining suitable habitats for native species like the mockingbird becomes increasingly important. By supporting conservation efforts, practicing responsible land management, and simply taking time to listen, every Mississippian can help ensure that the song of the state bird continues for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Mississippi choose the Northern Mockingbird as its state bird?

Mississippi chose the Northern Mockingbird in 1944 for its beautiful song, year-round presence, and symbolic representation of vigilance and resilience.

Can you keep a Northern Mockingbird as a pet?

No. It is illegal under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to keep a Northern Mockingbird as a pet. Doing so requires special permits and is generally prohibited.

Does the mockingbird migrate?

Most Northern Mockingbirds in Mississippi are non-migratory and remain in the same area year-round, though some northern populations may move southward in severe winters.

How can I tell a mockingbird apart from a catbird or thrasher?

Mourning Cloak catbirds are uniformly slate gray with a black cap and reddish undertail. Thrashers have curved bills and heavy streaking below. Mockingbirds show distinct white wing flashes and repeat phrases three or more times in song.

Is the Northern Mockingbird endangered?

No. The Northern Mockingbird is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. Populations are stable and widespread across the southern and central United States.