Arkansas State Bird

What Is the State Bird of Arkansas?

The official state board of Arkansas is the Mockingbird. It is the same bird that is closely associated with a very important story, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. The book played an important role in helping the country move the Civil Rights movement forward, and it is still studied to this day. Therefore, it only makes sense that the mockingbird should play an important role as a symbol of the state of Arkansas. There were several other birds under consideration for this position, including the cardinal and the Meadowlark. The Mockingbird has been adopted as the state bird of Arkansas in the Constitution.

Where Does the Mockingbird Live?

The mockingbird is a relatively common sight throughout the south. It is relatively easy to spot, and many kids learn how to identify the mockingbird when they are in school. Of note, the mockingbird is common in the south because it does not migrate. Therefore, it is possible to spot this bird during both summer and winter.

What Does the Mockingbird Look Like?

The adult mockingbird is approximately 10 inches in length. It usually weighs about two ounces. When the mockingbird spreads its wings, the wingspan is about 13 to 15 inches in size.

The mockingbird's coat is usually gray. There are white patches on the base of its body and white spots underneath its wings. In addition, the mockingbird has a relatively long tail that is darker than the rest of its feathers. The mockingbird also has black legs.

What Does the Mockingbird Like To Eat?

The mocking bird eats a variety of food. It can be spotted feeding on nuts, seeds, and berries, but it can also be seen digging in logs for insects. Some people even on mockingbirds as a way to prevent insects from infesting their homes.

Why Is the Mockingbird Called the Mockingbird?

One of the most important features of the mockingbird is its incredible stamina. It is not unusual to see the mockingbird saying for hours at a time. There are some situations where a male mockingbird may even sing at night, particularly if it is looking for a mate.

Some people who own a mockingbird have even stated that it can mimic other sounds that it hears. For example, a mockingbird may sing a song that he hears on the radio or try to make sounds like one of the local dogs in the neighborhood. Or, if there is a fire engine that goes by, the mockingbird may try to mimic the sound of the siren. If there is a gate that keeps squeaking nearby, the mockingbird may try to mimic that noise as well. The scientific name of the mopping bird actually means, "the mimic of many tongues," thus the name of the bird. During the course of its life, a mockingbird may sing dozens of songs. There are some who believe that the mockingbird that sings the most songs has the easiest time attracting a mate.