What Is TN State Bird: The Northern Mockingbird

The Tennessee state bird is the Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), a remarkable songbird celebrated for its vocal mimicry, bold personality, and cultural significance. Officially designated in 1933, the Northern Mockingbird stands as a symbol of resilience, intelligence, and natural beauty in Tennessee. If you're wondering what is TN state bird, the answer is clear: it's the melodious and resourceful Northern Mockingbird, a species commonly seen and heard throughout urban, suburban, and rural areas of the Volunteer State.

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

Tennessee joined several other southern U.S. states in adopting the Northern Mockingbird as its official state bird during the early 20th century. The designation occurred on May 2, 1933, following a campaign led by the Tennessee General Federation of Women’s Clubs, an organization active in conservation and civic education at the time. These groups recognized the bird’s widespread presence, distinctive behavior, and symbolic resonance with Southern culture.

Prior to 1933, no official state bird existed in Tennessee, leaving room for public input and advocacy. The Northern Mockingbird was chosen over other native species—such as the Northern Cardinal or American Robin—due to its unique characteristics: exceptional singing ability, fearless demeanor around humans, and year-round residency. Unlike migratory birds that disappear seasonally, the mockingbird remains visible and audible all year, reinforcing its connection to local identity.

This decision aligned with broader regional trends. By the 1930s, Texas, Florida, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee had all selected the same bird, reflecting shared ecological zones and cultural values across the South. The mockingbird came to represent vigilance, adaptability, and artistic expression—qualities admired in both nature and human communities.

Biological Profile: What Makes the Northern Mockingbird Unique?

Beyond symbolism, the Northern Mockingbird possesses fascinating biological traits that make it a favorite among ornithologists and backyard birdwatchers alike. Here are key facts about this avian marvel:

• Scientific Name: Mimus polyglottos, meaning "many-tongued mimic"
• Size: Approximately 8–11 inches long with a wingspan of 12–15 inches
• Weight: Around 1.6–2 ounces (45–58 grams)
• Lifespan: Up to 8 years in the wild, though some individuals live beyond 10 years
• Diet: Omnivorous—feeds on insects, berries, seeds, and occasionally small reptiles
• Habitat: Open areas with scattered trees and shrubs; common in lawns, parks, cemeteries, and agricultural lands

One of the most striking features of the Northern Mockingbird is its extraordinary vocal repertoire. Males can learn and repeat more than 200 different songs, imitating not only other bird species but also mechanical sounds like car alarms, cell phone ringtones, and barking dogs. Singing occurs throughout the day and often continues into the night, especially during breeding season and under bright moonlight or artificial lighting.

Another notable trait is territorial aggression. Mockingbirds fiercely defend their nests and feeding grounds, diving at intruders—including cats, dogs, and humans—who venture too close. This boldness has earned them admiration and occasional frustration from homeowners.

Feature	Description
Statehood Year	1933
Scientific Name	Mimus polyglottos
Vocal Range	200+ song types, including mimicked sounds
Nesting Season	March through August
Eggs per Brood	3–5 eggs
Incubation Period	12–13 days
Fledging Time	10–12 days after hatching

Cultural Significance of the Mockingbird in Tennessee and the American South

The Northern Mockingbird holds deep cultural roots beyond its official status. It appears in literature, music, and folklore, often symbolizing innocence, protection, and artistic freedom. Perhaps the most famous literary reference comes from Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel *To Kill a Mockingbird* (1960), set in Alabama but widely influential across the South, including Tennessee.

In the novel, the mockingbird represents beings who do good without expecting anything in return—people like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley, whose harm is considered a moral sin. This metaphor reinforces the idea that harming something harmless and beneficial is unjust. As Atticus Finch tells his children: “Shoot all the blue jays you want… but remember, it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”

In music, the mockingbird’s call has inspired folk tunes such as “Listen to the Mockingbird,” a popular 19th-century ballad. Its presence in yard and garden has made it a familiar figure in Southern domestic life, often associated with watchfulness and home protection.

Even Native American traditions in the Southeastern Woodlands region viewed mimic birds as messengers or tricksters, capable of bridging worlds through sound. While these beliefs predate European colonization, they contribute to the layered cultural meaning behind the bird’s selection as a state symbol.

Where and When to See the Northern Mockingbird in Tennessee

If you're interested in observing the Tennessee state bird in its natural environment, timing and location matter. Fortunately, the Northern Mockingbird is non-migratory and present year-round across all 95 counties of the state. However, certain seasons offer better viewing opportunities.

Best Time to Observe: Spring and early summer (March to July) are ideal, coinciding with mating and nesting behaviors. During this period, males sing persistently from high perches—treetops, power lines, fence posts—to attract mates and mark territory.

Prime Locations:

• Nashville: Centennial Park, Percy Warner Park, and Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
• Memphis: Overton Park and Shelby Farms Park
• Knoxville: Ijams Nature Center and Seven Islands State Birding Park
• Chattanooga: Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center

Urban and suburban neighborhoods with open lawns, hedges, and fruit-bearing trees (like mulberry or holly) also provide excellent habitats. Look for mockingbirds hopping on sidewalks or lawns, flicking their wings while foraging for insects.

Tips for Birdwatchers: How to Identify and Attract the TN State Bird

Spotting the Northern Mockingbird doesn’t require advanced equipment, but knowing what to look and listen for improves your chances. Here are practical tips for identification and attraction:

Identification Tips

• Appearance: Gray upperparts, pale underparts, long tail with white outer feathers visible in flight
• Flight Pattern: Fluttering, butterfly-like flight with sudden drops and turns
• Vocalizations: Repeated phrases of 3–5 notes, switching frequently between imitations
• Behavior: Frequent tail flicking, ground-foraging, aggressive defense of territory

How to Attract Mockingbirds to Your Yard

• Plant native berry-producing shrubs like yaupon holly, blackberry, elderberry, and mulberry
• Maintain open lawn areas for foraging insects
• Avoid using pesticides that reduce insect populations
• Provide a birdbath or shallow water source
• Install thorny shrubs or dense hedges for nesting cover (mockingbirds prefer concealed, protected sites)

Note: While some people enjoy having mockingbirds nearby, others may find their nighttime singing disruptive, especially in well-lit urban areas. Reducing outdoor lighting can help minimize nocturnal activity.

Conservation Status and Environmental Role

The Northern Mockingbird is currently listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Populations remain stable across Tennessee and much of North America, thanks to adaptability to human-altered landscapes.

However, localized threats exist:

• Habitat loss due to urban sprawl
• Pesticide use reducing food availability
• Collisions with windows and vehicles
• Domestic cat predation on fledglings

Despite these challenges, mockingbirds thrive in cities and suburbs where green spaces are maintained. Their role in ecosystems includes controlling insect pests and dispersing seeds through droppings after consuming fruits.

Supporting native plant landscaping and keeping cats indoors are effective ways citizens can help protect this iconic species.

Common Misconceptions About the TN State Bird

Several myths surround the Northern Mockingbird. Clarifying these helps foster accurate understanding:

• Misconception: The mockingbird is rare or endangered.
  Reality: It is abundant and widespread throughout Tennessee.
• Misconception: It only sings during the day.
  Reality: Unmated males often sing at night, particularly under artificial light.
• Misconception: All mockingbirds sound exactly alike.
  Reality: Each bird develops a unique song library based on its environment.
• Misconception: It’s illegal to harm or remove a mockingbird nest.
  Reality: Yes—it is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, making it unlawful to disturb nests, eggs, or birds without federal permits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did Tennessee choose the mockingbird as its state bird?

Tennessee chose the Northern Mockingbird in 1933 for its beautiful song, year-round presence, and symbolic representation of Southern heritage and resilience.

Is the Northern Mockingbird found only in Tennessee?

No, it ranges across much of North America, from southern Canada to Mexico, but it is the state bird of Tennessee, Texas, Florida, Mississippi, and Arkansas.

Can I keep a Northern Mockingbird as a pet?

No. It is illegal under federal law to capture, possess, or sell native wild birds in the United States, including the Northern Mockingbird.

Do female mockingbirds sing?

Yes, though less frequently than males. Recent studies show females also sing, particularly during winter and in defending territory.

What should I do if a mockingbird attacks me near my house?

This usually happens during nesting season when the bird feels threatened. Avoid the immediate area if possible, or wear a hat for protection. The behavior typically lasts 2–3 weeks until chicks fledge.

In summary, the question what is TN state bird leads us to one of the most charismatic and culturally rich birds in North America—the Northern Mockingbird. Whether admired for its complex songs, protective instincts, or enduring presence in Tennessee’s landscapes, this bird continues to captivate residents and visitors alike. By understanding its biology, history, and ecological needs, we deepen our appreciation for this living symbol of the Volunteer State.