Texas does not have a “national bird” like a country does; national birds are symbols designated at a country-wide level. States, however, commonly adopt their own official state birds. Texas, like many other states, has chosen a specific bird to represent its unique natural heritage.
Texas’s Official State Bird
The official state bird of Texas is the Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos). This designation was made on January 31, 1927, when Governor Dan Moody approved the measure. The Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs championed the idea, proposing the Northern Mockingbird as a fitting symbol for the state. Texas was notably the first state to adopt it, with Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, and Tennessee later following suit.
Its selection was rooted in the bird’s widespread presence and distinctive characteristics. The state legislature recognized the mockingbird for being found “in all parts of the State, in winter and in summer, in the city and in the country.” Its melodious song and fierce protective instincts were also highlighted, with the bird described as “a singer of distinctive type, a fighter for the protection of his home.” This sentiment underscored its perceived alignment with the spirit of Texas.
About the Northern Mockingbird
The Northern Mockingbird is a medium-sized songbird, typically measuring between 9 and 11 inches (23-28 cm) in length with a long tail. Its plumage is primarily gray to brown on the upper parts, with a paler, whitish belly. White patches on its wings, noticeable during flight, and white outer tail feathers are distinguishing features.
This species is renowned for its exceptional vocal abilities, a trait reflected in its scientific name, which means “many-tongued mimic.” Northern Mockingbirds can learn and repeat a wide array of sounds, including the songs of up to 200 other bird species, insects, amphibians, and even artificial noises like car alarms or sirens. Males often sing extensively during the breeding season to attract mates, and unmated males may even sing at night.
Northern Mockingbirds are highly adaptable, inhabiting various environments across Texas. They are commonly found in open areas, forest edges, and are especially prevalent in urban and suburban settings such as parks, gardens, and backyards. Their diet is omnivorous, consisting of approximately half insects and other arthropods, and half fruits and berries annually. During late spring and summer, their diet leans heavily towards insects, while in fall and winter, they consume more berries and wild fruits.
Their nesting season can begin as early as February in southern regions, extending into summer. Both male and female mockingbirds participate in nest building, constructing cup-shaped nests typically 3 to 10 feet off the ground in dense shrubs or trees. The female usually lays three to five eggs, which are pale blue or greenish with brown speckles, and incubates them for about 11 to 14 days. Both parents feed the young, which fledge approximately 10 to 15 days after hatching, and a pair may raise multiple broods per year.