What is Florida’s State Bird? How Was It Decided?

Last Updated on Jan 27 2023

As one of Florida’s year-round residents, it is no surprise that the common mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) was chosen to represent the state of Florida. The mockingbird is an exceptional songbird and is known and named for the wide variety of songs in its repertoire. A typical mockingbird can sing up to 350 unique songs consisting of archetypal improvisations and imitations of other sounds. The sounds mockingbirds can mimic include those of other birds, animals, and urban sounds such as washing machines, blenders, sirens, car horns, and runny faucets. 

Mockingbirds sing almost endlessly, often preferring to throw their concerts under the springtime moonlight. Scientists think that mockingbirds imitate the calls and songs of other birds to make their territory appear heavily populated, discouraging other birds from settling in. The mockingbird sings a unique setlist every day, endlessly tweaking and modifying their playlists depending on their mood.

How Was Florida’s State Bird Decided?

The mockingbird is so well-loved that it is not only the state bird of Florida but also of Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas. Humans have prized the mockingbird for decades as it usually feeds on pesky insects and weeds. Mockingbirds were so popular as cage birds that they nearly disappeared from the East Coast in the 1820s. In fact, many people sold superior singers as pets for upwards of $50 in large cities, which has the buying power of approximately $1,500 today.

During the legislative session of 1927, Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 3 designated the mockingbird as Florida’s state bird. Although Florida residents admire the mockingbird, there is some controversy over its status. In October 2021, lawmakers filed three separate bills to change the state bird of Florida, suggesting that schoolchildren should vote on the matter and choose a new bird to fill the mockingbird’s place.

What Does the Mockingbird Look Like?

Mockingbirds are generally gray-brown in color and about 10 inches in length. Their wingspan can extend up to 15 inches, with males being slightly larger than the females. Mockingbirds are generally a paler gray on the breast and can be identified by bright, white patches on their wings and tail feathers.

The mockingbird can frequently be seen flashing their wings to show off the white patches on the undersides. Although many ornithologists chalk this up to a mating display, it is also thought that this behavior is used to startle insects and make them easier to catch. This display has also been observed as a defense mechanism, with mockingbirds harassing intruders on their territory by flagrantly flaunting their wing patches.

Fun Facts About the Mockingbird

See also:

• What Is Ohio’s State Bird?
• What Is Illinois’ State Bird?
• What Is Hawaii’s State Bird?
• What Is Kansas’ State Bird?

Featured Image Credit: ishnu Sarangi, Pixabay