What is the state bird of Tennessee?
The Northern Mockingbird, Mimus polyglottos, named Tennessee's state bird in 1933. 4 other states share it.
- State bird
- Northern Mockingbird
- Scientific name
- Mimus polyglottos
- Year adopted
- 1933
- Shared with
- Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Texas
- Status in Tennessee
- present all year
- Nesting season here
- March–August
- Size
- 8.3–10.2 in, 1.6–2 oz
- State game bird
- Northern Bobwhite (1987)
Seeing a Northern Mockingbird in Tennessee
In Tennessee 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
Tennessee shares its bird with Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, 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 Tennessee?
The Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), adopted in 1933.
When did Tennessee choose its state bird?
1933.
Do other states have the same state bird as Tennessee?
Yes: Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Texas.
Can you see the Northern Mockingbird in Tennessee all year?
In Tennessee it is present all year. Nesting runs about March to August.
Does Tennessee have other official birds?
Northern Bobwhite (state game bird, 1987).
Adoption years from state archives and statutes as compiled in the List of U.S. state birds.