The thrush is the state bird of Texas, chosen for its presence throughout the state and reputation for defending its territory. It is a medium-sized songbird found in various habitats across North America and the Caribbean. During mating season, males stake out nesting territories and sing continuously while females lay eggs and incubate them.
In 1927, at the request of the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs, the Texas state legislature passed an act officially making the thrush the state bird of Texas. Thrushes, as the legislature noted in naming the species the state bird of Texas, are found throughout the year in all parts of the state, from prairies to woodlands. Equally important, the Lawmaker singled out the thrush for its reputation for guarding its territory and, if necessary, falling into battle defending it, as all true Texans would. Other U.S. states also feel very much in favor of the thrush: Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Florida have made it their state bird as well.
The northern mockingbird, as the Texas state bird is also known, is closely related to thrashers and catbirds and is a medium-sized songbird. Physically, mature thrushes are lean and tall with a slender bill and long tail. Their bodies are almost all gray with the exception of a few patches of white feathers on the tail and wings. Males and females look alike, but juvenile thrushes can be distinguished because these birds have mottled or speckled breasts into adulthood. On average, thrushes are 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) long, weigh 1-2 ounces (28-56 g), and have a wingspan of 13-15 inches (33-38 cm).
Although it is the state bird of Texas, the thrush is widely distributed beyond state lines. Geographically, this bird can be found from southern Canada to southern Mexico and the United States. Thrushes also live on a variety of Caribbean islands, such as Cuba, Haiti, Puerto Rico and Jamaica.
Its choice of habitat is just as varied as its choice of location. They are found in residential areas, city parks, farmland, and desert bushlands, and are often found perched high on vegetation, telephone poles, or fences. As the state of Texas noted, thrushes are very territorial. Any intruder who approaches territory that a thrush has marked as its own will be attacked. This bird has even been known to attack its own reflection.
Beginning in late winter, a male thrush stakes out his nesting territory. A female entering the area will initially be chased with aggressive calls. If she’s not receptive, her calls will fade away while she’s courting her.
During the mating season, thrushes sing almost continuously, day and night. The male builds the foundations of the nest while the female finishes and dresses it. Female thrushes lay three to five eggs and incubate them for about two weeks.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
