Mississippi's official state bird is the northern mockingbird, known in state law simply as "the bird commonly called the mocking bird." If you need a quick confirmation, that designation is locked in at Mississippi Code § 3-3-11, and the state's official symbols page at MS.GOV lists it plainly as "Mockingbird."
What Is the State Bird of Mississippi? Northern Mockingbird
Marcus Webb
27 Mar 2026
The official answer, straight from the source
The northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) became Mississippi's state bird on February 23, 1944, when the legislature passed Laws, 1944, ch. 326, § 1. The Mississippi Secretary of State's official Blue Book confirms the same designation, and Mississippi State University Extension echoes it with the same date. So if you're fact-checking for a school assignment, a trivia night, or just satisfying your curiosity, you've got three independent official sources all saying the same thing.
How to recognize a northern mockingbird in the wild
The northern mockingbird is a medium-sized songbird, mostly gray on top with a paler gray or whitish belly. The clearest field markers are the large white wing patches that flash brilliantly when the bird flies, and the long tail it often pumps up and down while perched. Spot one on a fence post, a rooftop, or the tip of a shrub and you're probably looking at a mockingbird. They love open areas with scattered trees and shrubs, which describes a big portion of Mississippi's landscape.
The fastest way to confirm you've found one is to listen. The mockingbird's song is famously varied. A single bird can cycle through dozens of distinct phrases in a single session, often mimicking other bird species it has heard nearby. If you hear a bird running through what sounds like a playlist of other birds' calls without stopping, that's your northern mockingbird. They even sing at night, especially under bright lights or a full moon, which can catch you off guard the first time you hear it.
Quick ID checklist
- Medium size, roughly 9 to 11 inches long
- Gray upperparts, pale gray or whitish underparts
- Bold white wing patches visible in flight
- Long tail, frequently pumped or fanned
- Song cycles through many phrases repeatedly, often mimicking other species
- Active year-round in Mississippi, not a seasonal visitor
Why the mockingbird got the honor
Mississippi isn't the only state that chose the mockingbird. Texas, Florida, Tennessee, and Arkansas share the same pick, which tells you something about how widely this bird is loved across the South. Mississippi made it official in 1944, a time when many states were formalizing their state symbols. The mockingbird's appeal is easy to understand. It's a year-round resident that shows up in backyards, parks, and roadsides across the entire state. It's bold, visible, and has a song that's genuinely hard to ignore.
There's also a cultural dimension. The mockingbird has long carried symbolic weight in Southern literature and folklore, representing voice, adaptability, and a certain spirited persistence. It doesn't migrate away when things get hard, and it defends its territory with a confidence that seems outsized for a bird its size. For a state symbol, that's a pretty solid profile.
Mississippi's other official symbols, since you're already here
If you searched for Mississippi's state bird and flower at the same time, the state flower is the magnolia blossom, which has been the official flower since 1952. The two pair up in a way that feels very distinctly Mississippi. Both are common across the state, both are recognizable to almost anyone who has spent time there, and both have deep roots in the region's identity.
| Symbol | Official Designation | Year Adopted |
|---|---|---|
| State Bird | Northern Mockingbird | 1944 |
| State Flower | Magnolia Blossom | 1952 |
| Scientific Name (Bird) | Mimus polyglottos | N/A |
| Governing Statute (Bird) | Mississippi Code § 3-3-11 | N/A |
Where to verify this yourself
If you need a primary source for a report or want to double-check independently, the most direct options are the official Mississippi state symbols page at MS.GOV, which lists all state emblems in one place, and Mississippi Code § 3-3-11, which is the actual statute. Mississippi State University Extension also has a solid write-up on the northern mockingbird that covers both the designation history and the bird's natural history in plain language, which makes it a good resource for classroom use.
So to put it simply: Mississippi's state bird is the northern mockingbird, it has been since February 23, 1944, and you can verify that in about thirty seconds through the state's own website. It's one of those questions with a genuinely clean, well-documented answer.
FAQ
Is Mississippi’s state bird the northern mockingbird, or just a “mockingbird” in general?
It is the northern mockingbird. In the official designation, the wording points to the “bird commonly called the mocking bird,” but the commonly accepted identification for Mississippi’s state bird is the northern mockingbird, which is the species most people see and recognize in the state.
What’s the scientific name of Mississippi’s state bird?
The northern mockingbird’s scientific name is Mimus polyglottos. If you are turning in a worksheet, use that exact scientific name and the common name “northern mockingbird” together to avoid point loss.
When did the northern mockingbird become Mississippi’s state bird?
It became the state bird on February 23, 1944. If your assignment asks for a year only, 1944 is correct, but including the full date is a nice extra detail.
How can I confirm I’m seeing the right bird, not a different mockingbird or a look-alike?
Use a combination of cues. Look for the bold white wing patches that flash in flight, the medium size, and the long tail that the bird often pumps or fans. Also, listen for a highly varied song that can include repeated phrases and mimicry. (If it is small and has a different pattern of white in the wing, it could be a different species.)
Do northern mockingbirds stay in Mississippi year-round?
Yes, they are a year-round presence in Mississippi rather than a seasonal visitor. If you are looking in winter and still hearing or seeing them, that matches how they behave there.
Do northern mockingbirds sing at night in Mississippi?
They can, especially under bright artificial lights or on clear conditions. If you are confused by “night singing” for a class photo or field notes, that behavior is consistent with northern mockingbirds.
If my teacher asks for “the state bird of Mississippi,” should I write “mockingbird” or “northern mockingbird”?
Write “northern mockingbird” for the most accurate answer, then you can note that the official statute uses “the bird commonly called the mocking bird.” That way you satisfy both the everyday name and the legal wording.
Are there any other Mississippi state symbols I should know if I’m answering multiple-choice questions?
If your trivia set mixes symbols, Mississippi’s state flower is the magnolia blossom. The bird and flower are often paired in popular questions, so knowing both helps even if the prompt is only asking about the bird.
What should I cite if I need proof for a school assignment?
Cite the Mississippi state bird statute, and if you need an easy secondary confirmation, cite the official Mississippi state symbols list. If you are writing a short response, include the governing reference and the adoption date (February 23, 1944) to make your answer feel complete.
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