Every state across America has different characteristics that make them unique to the other 49. These symbols can be anything from flags and emblems to national foods and drinks.
On top of this, there are lots of different animals associated with certain states throughout the country. In line with this, the state of Texas has a state bird, much like every other state in America.
But what bird did the state choose and what makes the bird so special compared to the rest? Follow our guide to find out more!
Why Do The American States Have State Birds?
A state bird is a species of bird that has been chosen by the state in question to represent what the state believes in and its values and principles.
These birds are an emblem and a symbol of everything that the state stands for. Every state in the US has a state bird, with these animals being chosen by its legislature. Not every bird is unique to one state, however!
The bright red Cardinal represents Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. However, these states may have different interpretations of what the bird means and how they can apply that to what their state stands for.
The bright red Cardinal is called as such because they reminded early American settlers of the red robes that are worn by Catholic cardinals.
What Is The State Bird Of Texas?
The state bird that has been chosen by the state of Texas is the Northern Mockingbird. The reason for choosing this bird is apparently because the species is a fighter for the protection of its home.
On top of this, the bird was chosen because it would fall to see that its home is defended like any true Texan. The bird is a proud symbol of what the state of Texas represents and stands for – standing in the face of threats and standing proud!
Much like the bright red Cardinal, the Northern Mockingbird isn’t just the state bird of one state. On top of Texas, the bird is also representative of Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
This particular bird is well-known throughout its inhabited states for its intelligence ad their singing ability. Although they’re commonly found all over North America, this species of bird is known to migrate to different parts of the world during extreme climate change.
Facts About The Northern Mockingbird
- There are 16 species of birds all over the world with the name ‘mockingbird’, however, the Northern Mockingbird is the only one that is native to the US. The other closest species of the mockingbird live in Mexico and the Bahamas. These are called the Blue Mockingbird and the Bahama Mockingbird, respectively. Both of these species are often found flying the skies of America.
- If you want a Northern Mockingbird to nest in your backyard, they love to nest in the branches of the multiflora rose, or the rambler rose. Originating in Asia, this invasive plant was introduced onto American soil in the late 18th Century as a rootstock for ornamental roses. This bush has lots of features for the birds, including tasty berries and thick density for them to nest in.
- Mockingbirds have been known to mimic the calls of other birds and to imitate their noises. The bird has also been studied closely by humans, finding that this species of bird also mimics the noises of music and machinery! The bird has also been spotted imitating the calls of different types of frogs and toads across America.
- This bird species, native to America, is known all over for its breeding behavior. Mockingbirds have been recognized to make as many as seven attempted nests during one breeding season! There’s been a case of a female Northern Mockingbird laying 27 eggs in a single season. That’s incredible!
- Mockingbirds are believed to be incredibly territorial and have been known to dive at anything they believe to be a threat. Their targets range anywhere from humans to other birds, on top of cats and dogs in more domesticated areas of the US. Their nests are usually positioned anywhere between 3 and 10 feet off the ground, with lots of berries and fruit-bearing trees close.
Facts About The State Of Texas
- Dr. Pepper was invented in Texas! The worldwide soft drink giant was created in the state by Charles Alderton in Waco in 1885. However, the drink itself wasn’t marketed until 1904. Its ultra-secret recipe is still undiscovered to this day, with it being split and kept hidden in two separate deposit boxes in Dallas.
- The Six Flags theme park is named what it is for a reason. Six Flags represent the six countries that have ruled over Texas since it was founded. These countries are Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the US, and the Confederate States of America. On the reverse of the Seal of Texas, these six flags can be found displayed.
- Despite the flag of Texas being recognized all over the world, the flag’s designer is still currently unknown! An early picture of the Lone Star was drawn by Dr. Charles B. Stewart but nobody knows who designed it.
- As anyone from Texas will have noticed, the Texan flag uses the exact same colors as the American flag. But there is a reason for this, rather than pure coincidence. The red of the flag represents bravery, the white stands for purity, and the blue color symbolizes loyalty.
- The Texas State Capitol building is the largest in the country! With regards to gross square feet, the Texas Capitol is second only to the US Capitol building in Washington DC. The Texas Capitol building’s dome stands around 7 feet higher than the US Capitol’s!
Final Thoughts
Texas is one of the most famous states in America and needs a bird to match that title. The Northern Mockingbird represents lots of important features that many Texans regard as the foundations for their state.
The bird defends its home without fear and would give anything to see its nest standing tall. Many residents of Texas try to aspire to these words and live their life in line with these features.
Native to America, this species of Mockingbird means a lot to many people and will certainly do so for a long time to come!
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