Did you ever wonder what is the state bird of Florida? It’s not a flamingo but a mockingbird! The rosy-hued bird is often associated with the Sunshine State and is often mistaken as the bird representing Florida.
Florida’s state bird name is the Northern Mockingbird. Many people who don’t know this fact have a lot of questions about these bird species, some of which are about how they came to be and why. Let’s read this article to uncover the not so mysterious Florida state bird.
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State Bird of Florida
Florida’s official state bird is the Mimus polyglottos or the Northern Mockingbird. The senate concurrent resolution number 3 of Florida’s 1927 legislative session adopted the Mockingbird as the Florida national bird.
This species is referred to as the bird that sings to the public. You can hear the birds sing all night during the springtime with a pleasant sound that is repetitive and varied. The Northern Mockingbird is also the representative avian of Tennessee, Texas, Mississippi, and Arkansas.
The Mockingbird is deemed helpful to humans by the Florida Department of State since it feeds on weed seeds and insects, which means a backyard with fewer bugs and weeds. They are considered an excellent service to the residents by taking care of the bugs before making it to your patio.
Innocence, protection, and loyalty are symbols linked to Mockingbirds. Their cultural depiction is centered and limited within the country, but they have a special place in the practices and cultures of Native Americans. There are still many things you should know about these songbirds, so read on!
All About Northern Mockingbird
The northern Mockingbird Florida is famous for its extraordinary vocal abilities. They are excellent at mimicking other bird songs and sounds, which is only one of the many interesting facts. Find out more about this Florida bird.
1. Appearance
Mockingbirds usually measure between eight to eleven inches with a wingspan range of 12 to 15 inches. They can grow from 1.4 ounces to 2.0 ounces, which contrasts their length. Male Mockingbirds are bigger than females, but their appearances are similar. They both have white stomachs, grayish chest and upper areas, and white patches on the wings and tail. You can easily recognize the females since they have less whiteness in their feathers.
2. Behavior
Unlike what most people think that Mockingbirds only copy other songs, it is only 10% of their range. They have their original composition, which is more in number than the ones they copy. These avians are studious and can make almost any noise, including musical instruments and urban sounds like sirens. When a sound resounds with them, they can write an original melody based on it.
3. Habitat
You can see mockingbirds in Florida the whole time, but they also frequent Canada or Mexico. They prefer an ocean or beach setting but also a landlocked environment. Besides, Mockingbirds are territorial since they nest in their territory, and humans and larger predators cannot escape their attacks. They can remember a human or animal they see and make you an enemy for life when you anger them.
4. Diet
A mockingbird’s diet consists of grasshoppers, ants, wasps, and beetles. They also feed on weed seeds and insects that feast on garden plants. Their diet can change depending on the season and their location. What’s constant is their love for loose suet and berries, making these an excellent option for your yard feeder.
The US Code, Title 16, sections 703 and 707a, made it illegal to keep a Mockingbird as a pet. This includes hunting, pursuing, killing, possessing, or attempting to take any migratory bird, nest, or egg. It is a crime punishable by law to protect the birds. Mockingbirds have a long lifespan of 80 years, but captivity can significantly shorten this to only a quarter of that time.
Conclusion
When someone asks what is the state bird of Florida, you now know what answer to give them. You can also share some fascinating facts about Florida’s state animals. And the next time you see these birds, be reminded of their role in being the representative avian of the sunny state of Florida.
We hope that reading this article helped you know more about the Mockingbird. If you know someone who will appreciate learning about Florida’s state bird, share this with them.
Moreover, discover our article about other state birds like:
- 6 interesting facts about Mississippi’s state bird.
- State bird of California and their facts.
- What is the state bird of Massachusetts?
George and I became friends after a birdwatching trip with our new group. And we have been enjoying every adventure together. When he told me the idea of establishing a site that shares our experiences and fun, I immediately agreed. After trials and errors, here we have Thayerbirding.
