What is the state bird of Mississippi?
The Northern Mockingbird, Mimus polyglottos, named Mississippi's state bird in 1944. 4 other states share it.
- State bird
- Northern Mockingbird
- Scientific name
- Mimus polyglottos
- Year adopted
- 1944
- Shared with
- Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee, Texas
- Status in Mississippi
- present all year
- Nesting season here
- February–August
- Size
- 8.3–10.2 in, 1.6–2 oz
- State waterfowl
- Wood Duck (1974)
Seeing a Northern Mockingbird in Mississippi
In Mississippi the Northern Mockingbird is present all year. Grey with white wing patches that flash in flight. Long tail with white outer feathers. Endless strings of mimicked phrases, each repeated 2–6 times; sings at night in spring.
Other states with the Northern Mockingbird
Mississippi shares its bird with Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee, Texas. Most state birds were picked in the 1920s and 1930s, often through school votes and women's club campaigns, and popular, widespread birds were chosen again and again.
Frequently asked
What is the state bird of Mississippi?
The Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), adopted in 1944.
When did Mississippi choose its state bird?
1944.
Do other states have the same state bird as Mississippi?
Yes: Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee, Texas.
Can you see the Northern Mockingbird in Mississippi all year?
In Mississippi it is present all year. Nesting runs about February to August.
Does Mississippi have other official birds?
Wood Duck (state waterfowl, 1974).
Adoption years from state archives and statutes as compiled in the List of U.S. state birds.