Mississippi’s state bird is the thrush, chosen by the state legislature in 1944. Thrushes are native to Mississippi and known for their vocalization and ability to mimic other species. They are also the official state bird of Florida, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Texas.
State legislatures in the United States (USA) often choose birds, flowers, and other official symbols for their states, and Mississippi’s state bird is the thrush. Since the 1920s, every U.S. state has chosen an official state bird. Thrushes are native to Mississippi and other states, with males and females each having distinct characteristics. These birds love to dwell in Mississippi magnolia trees and are known for their ability to vocalize, mimic, and sing up to 200 songs.
The official state bird of Mississippi was a favorite of the Mississippi Federation of Women’s Clubs during the 1940s. This club started a campaign to have the state legislature select the thrush as the official state bird of Mississippi. The governor signed legislation designating the thrush the official state bird in 1944.
Early spring is the natural breeding season for thrushes. This is when a thrush will choose its mate and make a nest out of twigs and grass, typically near a forest edge. A clutch typically consists of four or five eggs, although it is unlikely that all of them will hatch. In most cases, the incubation period can be almost two weeks. In many cases, thrush eggs are eaten by predators, mainly snakes.
It is quite common to find thrushes congregating on farmland during the cold Mississippi months. In search of food, the Mississippi state bird often descends on farmers’ crops. Fruits, seeds, and nuts are favorites of these birds, though the thrush will also devour insects. Once spring arrives, males can be heard vocalizing and singing their melodious songs.
Thrushes get their name from their unique ability to mimic the songs and vocalizations of various bird and insect species. Males are typically louder in vocalization and pitch, with females having a softer tone. The vocalization of thrushes is typically heard at night.
These birds are gray, with black around the bill. Males and females look similar, making them difficult to tell apart. This bird is also known for its long gray tail, with a distinctive white border.
The thrush, known scientifically as mimus polyglyottos, is the official state bird of five US states. In addition to Mississippi, Florida, Tennessee, Arkansas and Texas have chosen this species as their official symbol. Texas adopted the mockingbird as its official state bird in 1927, before it became the state bird of Mississippi.
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