What Texas State Bird Is the Northern Mockingbird

The Texas state bird is the northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), a species celebrated for its remarkable vocal abilities and fearless personality. Officially designated as the state bird of Texas in 1927, the northern mockingbird stands out not only for its melodic mimicry but also for its cultural significance across the southern United States. This choice reflects both natural heritage and regional pride, making what Texas state bird represents more than just a legal designation—it embodies resilience, adaptability, and the rich avian diversity found throughout the Lone Star State.

History and Official Adoption

The journey to selecting the northern mockingbird as Texas’s official state bird began in the early 20th century, during a broader movement among U.S. states to adopt symbolic flora and fauna. In 1927, the Texas Legislature passed a resolution naming the northern mockingbird as the official state bird, following recommendations from the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs and input from ornithologists and educators.

Prior to this decision, several birds were considered, including the bobwhite quail and the scissor-tailed flycatcher—both native to Texas and culturally significant. However, the northern mockingbird won favor due to its widespread presence, year-round residency, and distinctive behavior. Unlike migratory species, the mockingbird can be observed in nearly every county in Texas throughout the year, reinforcing its status as a true Texan resident.

The formal adoption date was January 31, 1927, when Governor Dan Moody signed the bill into law. Since then, the bird has been featured on the Texas state quarter (released in 2004), various state emblems, and even appears in school curricula as part of lessons on state symbols.

Symbols and Cultural Significance

Beyond legislation, the northern mockingbird holds deep symbolic meaning in literature, music, and regional identity. Perhaps most famously, Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel *To Kill a Mockingbird* draws moral and thematic inspiration from the idea that harming a mockingbird—creatures that only bring beauty through song—is a profound injustice. While the story takes place in Alabama, its resonance extends across the American South, including Texas, where the bird is both literal and metaphorical.

In Texan culture, the mockingbird symbolizes vigilance, intelligence, and artistic expression. Its ability to imitate over 200 different sounds—from other birds to car alarms and human whistles—has made it a favorite subject in folk tales and backyard observations alike. Many Texans grow up hearing the bird sing late into the night, especially during spring and summer months, when unmated males are known to perform extended serenades.

The bird's protective nature also aligns with Texan values of independence and courage. Mockingbirds are fiercely territorial and will dive-bomb predators (including cats, snakes, and humans) that come too close to their nests. This boldness has earned them admiration—and sometimes cautious respect—from residents across urban and rural areas.

Biological Profile: What Makes the Northern Mockingbird Unique?

Scientifically classified as Mimus polyglottos, which translates to “many-tongued mimic,” the northern mockingbird belongs to the family Mimidae, which includes thrashers and catbirds. It is found throughout North America, but reaches peak abundance in the southern United States, particularly in open habitats like suburban lawns, parks, agricultural fields, and scrublands—environments common in Texas.

Physical Characteristics:

• Length: 8–11 inches (20–28 cm)
• Wingspan: 12–15 inches (30–38 cm)
• Weight: 1.6–2.0 ounces (45–58 g)
• Coloration: Gray upperparts, pale underparts, white wing patches visible in flight, long tail with white outer feathers
• Beak: Slender, slightly curved downward
• Eyes: Dark with a faint eye ring

Vocal Behavior: The northern mockingbird is one of the most accomplished mimics in the avian world. A single male may incorporate dozens of phrases from other species—including cardinals, blue jays, and house wrens—into his repertoire. Songs are typically delivered from high perches such as utility wires, treetops, or fence posts. Singing occurs year-round but intensifies during breeding season (March to July).

Diet and Foraging: Omnivorous and highly adaptable, mockingbirds feed on insects (beetles, grasshoppers, spiders), earthworms, berries, fruits, and occasionally small lizards. In urban settings, they may forage on lawns after rain or visit gardens with fruit-bearing shrubs.

Nesting Habits: Nests are built in dense shrubs or trees, usually 3–10 feet off the ground. Constructed from twigs, weeds, and grass lined with fine roots, they often feature thorny materials for protection. Females lay 3–5 eggs per clutch, and both parents participate in feeding young. Breeding pairs may raise 2–3 broods per year.

Feature	Description
Scientific Name	Mimus polyglottos
State Symbol Since	1927
Primary Habitat in Texas	Suburban areas, open woodlands, brushy fields
Lifespan (Wild)	Up to 8 years (record: 14 years)
Conservation Status	Least Concern (IUCN)
Migration Pattern	Non-migratory (residents year-round)

Where and How to Observe the Texas State Bird

One of the joys of living in or visiting Texas is the ease with which you can observe the northern mockingbird in its natural environment. Because it thrives in human-modified landscapes, sightings are common even in densely populated cities like Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio.

Best Times to See and Hear Them:

• Spring (March–May): Peak singing activity; males establish territories and attract mates.
• Summer (June–August): Nesting and fledgling season; watch for juveniles learning to fly and beg for food.
• Fall and Winter: Birds remain active, feeding on berries and defending winter territories.

Prime Locations for Observation:

• Zilker Park (Austin): Open spaces with scattered trees provide ideal foraging and perching sites.
• Hermann Park (Houston): Well-maintained lawns and gardens attract insects and fruit sources.
• Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge: Offers a mix of woodland edges and clearings preferred by mockingbirds.
• Big Bend National Park: Though more arid, riparian zones support mockingbird populations.
• Urban Backyards: Install native berry-producing plants like yaupon holly, agarita, or sumac to attract them.

Tips for Birdwatchers:

• Listen for repeated phrases—mockingbirds repeat each sound 2–6 times before switching.
• Look for flash patterns: white wing bars and tail feathers are visible during short flights.
• Avoid disturbing nesting areas between April and July.
• Use binoculars with at least 8x magnification for clearer views.
• Record audio if possible; apps like Merlin Bird ID can help confirm vocalizations.

Why Was the Mockingbird Chosen Over Other Candidates?

During the selection process, several birds competed for the honor of becoming Texas’s state symbol. Understanding why the northern mockingbird prevailed offers insight into ecological awareness and public sentiment of the era.

The scissor-tailed flycatcher, now Oklahoma’s state bird, was a strong contender due to its elegant appearance and prevalence in central and north Texas. Known for its long, crossed tail feathers and graceful flight, it remains a beloved species—but it is primarily a seasonal visitor, absent during winter months, which likely hurt its chances.

The Northern cardinal, while widespread and colorful, is shared as a state symbol by seven other U.S. states, reducing its uniqueness to Texas. Similarly, the bobwhite quail, though emblematic of rural hunting traditions, lacks the vocal flair and visibility of the mockingbird.

In contrast, the mockingbird’s combination of constant presence, complex song, and feisty demeanor made it a unifying choice. As one legislator noted at the time, “It sings for us all year, defends its home bravely, and needs no introduction to any Texan.”

Common Misconceptions About the Texas State Bird

Despite its fame, several myths persist about the northern mockingbird:

Myth 1: Mockingbirds are aggressive toward people without reason.
Reality: Aggression is almost always tied to nesting season. Dive-bombing behavior protects eggs or chicks and subsides after fledging.

Myth 2: They only live in cities.
Reality: While highly adaptable to urban environments, mockingbirds thrive in rural and semi-arid regions across Texas.

Myth 3: All mockingbirds sing all night.
Reality: Only unmated males typically sing extensively at night. Once paired, singing becomes mostly diurnal.

Myth 4: It's illegal to harm a mockingbird.
Reality: While protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (which prohibits killing, capturing, or destroying nests without a permit), enforcement varies. Still, harming them is strongly discouraged and carries penalties.

Conservation and Current Status

The northern mockingbird is currently listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Populations remain stable across Texas, thanks in part to habitat flexibility and tolerance of human development.

However, threats do exist. Urban sprawl reduces native vegetation, pesticides decrease insect availability, and outdoor cats pose a major risk to nestlings and adults alike. Climate change may alter fruiting cycles of key food plants, potentially affecting winter survival.

Citizens can support mockingbird conservation by:

• Planting native, fruit-bearing shrubs and trees
• Keeping cats indoors
• Avoiding pesticide use in yards
• Participating in citizen science projects like eBird or Project FeederWatch

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Texas officially adopt the northern mockingbird as its state bird?

Texas adopted the northern mockingbird as its official state bird on January 31, 1927.

Can you hear the Texas state bird sing at night?

Yes, especially during spring and summer. Unmated male mockingbirds often sing at night to attract a mate.

Is it legal to keep a northern mockingbird as a pet?

No. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it is illegal to capture, possess, or sell northern mockingbirds without federal permits.

Do mockingbirds migrate out of Texas?

Most do not. The northern mockingbird is a non-migratory resident throughout Texas, though some northern populations may move southward in harsh winters.

How can I attract mockingbirds to my yard?

Provide open lawns for foraging, plant native berry-producing shrubs like holly or mulberry, and offer a water source such as a birdbath.