what is the state bird of arkansas

The state bird of Arkansas is the Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos).

This choice dates back to March 5, 1929, when Governor Harvey Parnell and the Arkansas General Assembly officially adopted it through House Concurrent Resolution Number 22. The Arkansas Federation of Women’s Clubs championed the bird, highlighting its value to farmers by eating pests like bugs and weed seeds in spring, then berries later.

Why the Mockingbird?

Renowned for its remarkable singing ability, the Northern Mockingbird can mimic other birds, insects, dogs, and even mechanical sounds—earning its name "mimic of many tongues." It's a common sight across Arkansas, with its beautiful song echoing statewide, making it a beloved symbol of the Natural State. Arkansas joined four other Southern states (Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas) in picking this bird, though it's the third most popular after the cardinal and meadowlark.

Fun Traits and Habitat

• Diet and Helpfulness : Spring pest control shifts to fruit in fall, aiding seed spread for farmers.

• Song Mastery : Males learn 200+ songs, belting them year-round to defend territory.

• Appearance : Grayish plumage, white wing patches flash in flight; year-round Arkansas resident.

• Size : About 10 inches long, bold around humans but protective of nests.

Imagine a quiet Arkansas morning broken by a symphony of borrowed birdcalls— that's the mockingbird weaving nature's playlist, a feathered DJ delighting fields and backyards alike.

Recent Buzz (as of 2023)

In 2023, bills surfaced to swap it for something unique like the Painted Bunting or Mallard Duck, citing duck hunting's economic role and a desire to ditch the shared symbol. Neither passed, but legislators vowed to retry, sparking chats on tradition vs. distinction—no 2026 updates noted yet.

Aspect| Northern Mockingbird Details| Other States' Shared Pick
---|---|---
Adoption Year (AR)| 1929 5| Varies (e.g., TX 1927)
Key Trait| Mimicry song, pest eater 13| Same versatile symbol
Unique AR Pushback| 2023 change proposals failed 1| No recent AR rival bills
Population| Common statewide 3| Widespread South

TL;DR: Arkansas's state bird remains the Northern Mockingbird since 1929, prized for song and farm aid, despite 2023 switch talks.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.