You’re driving through the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee or maybe grabbing a coffee in downtown Knoxville when you see a flashes of gray and white darting through the brush. Most folks just assume it’s a common bird, and they’re right. But in this state, that common bird holds a massive title. If you've ever wondered what is the state bird in Tennessee, the answer isn't quite as straightforward as a single name on a plaque.
Tennessee actually recognizes two state birds.
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Yeah, it’s a bit of a quirk. Most people can name the Northern Mockingbird, which is the official "State Bird" as of 1933. But then there’s the Bobwhite Quail, which holds the title of "State Game Bird." It’s a classic Tennessee move—why have one when you can have two? One is a vocal gymnast that keeps you awake at 3:00 AM, and the other is a shy, ground-dwelling bird that’s become a symbol of the state's vanishing grasslands.
The Northern Mockingbird: Tennessee’s Vocal Powerhouse
The Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) wasn't just handed the title. It was actually chosen through an election. In 1933, the Tennessee Ornithological Society conducted a survey, and the mockingbird won by a landslide. It’s easy to see why. These birds are everywhere from Memphis to Bristol. They don’t care about your privacy; they’ll sit on your chimney and sing for hours.
The name polyglottos literally means "many-tongued." That is no exaggeration. A single male can learn up to 200 different songs in his lifetime. They don't just mimic other birds like blue jays or cardinals; they’ll mimic car alarms, barking dogs, and even the squeaky gate in your backyard. It’s honestly impressive, if a bit annoying when you're trying to sleep. They are fiercely territorial. I’ve seen a mockingbird dive-bomb a red-tailed hawk three times its size just because the hawk got too close to a nest. That "don't mess with me" attitude resonates with a lot of Tennesseans.
Identifying the Mockingbird in Your Backyard
You don't need fancy binoculars to find one. Look for a slender, long-tailed bird that’s mostly gray on top and white underneath. The dead giveaway is the white wing patches. When they fly, these patches look like big white flashes. They also do this weird "wing flash" dance on the ground where they hitch their wings up in jerky movements. Scientists think they do this to startle insects into moving, making them easier to catch.
The 1933 Election and Why It Matters
Before 1933, Tennessee didn't have an official bird. The push for a state symbol was part of a larger national trend where states wanted to solidify their identities through nature. The Tennessee Ornithological Society, which is still active and incredibly influential today, spearheaded the movement. They wanted a bird that represented the spirit of the people—resilient, loud, and adaptable.
The mockingbird beat out several other contenders, including the Robin and the Bluebird. It’s interesting to note that Tennessee shares this state bird with four other states: Florida, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas. We aren't exactly unique in our love for the mocker, but we were one of the first to make it official via Senate Joint Resolution No. 51.
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The "Other" State Bird: The Bobwhite Quail
In 1987, the Tennessee General Assembly decided the mockingbird needed some company. They officially designated the Bobwhite Quail (Colinus virginianus) as the State Game Bird. If you’ve ever spent time in the rural parts of West Tennessee, you know the sound. It’s a clear, rising whistle that sounds exactly like it’s saying its name: Bob-White!
Unlike the mockingbird, you won't see these guys sitting on your power lines. They are masters of disguise. They prefer "edge" habitats—the places where forests meet open fields. They live in coveys, which are small groups that huddle together in a circle at night, tails pointing in and heads pointing out. This keeps them warm and allows them to explode in every direction if a predator like a coyote shows up. It’s a brilliant survival strategy, honestly.
The Struggle of the Bobwhite
There is a bit of a sad note here. While the mockingbird is doing great and adapting to suburban life, the Bobwhite Quail is in trouble. Their population has plummeted over the last 50 years. Why? Basically, we’ve cleaned up our farms too much. We removed the hedgerows and the "messy" brush they need to survive. Organizations like the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and Quail Forever are working like crazy to restore these habitats. When you talk about what is the state bird in Tennessee, mentioning the quail is important because it highlights the conservation work happening in the state right now.
Comparing the Two: A Tale of Two Birds
| Feature | Northern Mockingbird | Bobwhite Quail |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Official State Bird (1933) | Official State Game Bird (1987) |
| Scientific Name | Mimus polyglottos | Colinus virginianus |
| Habitat | Suburbs, parks, forests | Grasslands, brush, farm edges |
| Sound | Mimics hundreds of sounds | Distinctive "Bob-white" whistle |
| Behavior | Bold, aggressive, vocal | Shy, ground-dwelling, lives in coveys |
Cultural Impact and Why Tennesseans Care
Symbols matter. In Tennessee, the mockingbird shows up on everything from license plates to logos. It represents a certain kind of Southern tenacity. It’s a bird that can live anywhere and thrive. The quail represents the state's heritage of hunting and land management. For many people in rural Tennessee, the sound of a quail is the sound of home.
It's also worth noting that the Mockingbird is so integrated into the culture that it appears in literature and music constantly. Think about the influence of "To Kill a Mockingbird"—even though that’s set in Alabama, the symbolism of the "innocent songbird" is a deep-rooted Southern concept that Tennesseans embrace. We view the bird as a protector of its home, which fits the "Volunteer State" motto perfectly.
Common Misconceptions About Tennessee’s State Bird
A lot of people think the Cardinal is the state bird. I get why. It’s bright red, beautiful, and very common. Seven other states claim the Cardinal, but Tennessee isn't one of them. Another big mistake? Thinking the Mockingbird is only found in the South. You can actually find them as far north as Canada now, as they've expanded their range over the last century.
Some folks also confuse the Northern Mockingbird with the Loggerhead Shrike. They look somewhat similar from a distance because they're both gray and white. But the Shrike is a "butcher bird" that impales its prey on thorns. The mockingbird is much more interested in eating berries and insects (and yelling at your cat).
How to Support Tennessee's Avian Symbols
If you want to see more of these birds, your backyard is the best place to start. For mockingbirds, plant berry-producing shrubs like American Beautyberry or Holly. They love them. For the quail, it’s a bigger lift. If you have land, leave the edges a little "trashy." Don't mow everything down to the dirt. Those weeds and briars are literally life-saving cover for the quail.
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The TWRA offers various programs for landowners to help restore quail habitat. It's a massive effort involving prescribed burns and removing invasive grasses like Kentucky 31 Fescue, which is too thick for little quail chicks to walk through. It's a reminder that being a "state bird" isn't just a title; it's a responsibility for the people who live there.
Actionable Steps for Bird Enthusiasts in Tennessee
Knowing what is the state bird in Tennessee is just the beginning. If you actually want to engage with these species, here is what you should do:
- Download the Merlin Bird ID App: It’s free and created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. You can record a mockingbird's song, and the app will tell you which birds it’s actually mimicking. It’s incredibly fun to see a "Mockingbird" label pop up followed by "Blue Jay" and "Tufted Titmouse."
- Visit a Wildlife Management Area (WMA): Places like Wolf River WMA or Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness are great spots to hear the Bobwhite Quail in the spring.
- Join the Tennessee Ornithological Society (TOS): They have chapters all over the state. You don't have to be an expert. They do bird walks and help with "Citizen Science" projects that track bird populations.
- Plant Native: Replace a patch of lawn with native wildflowers and shrubs. This provides the insects that mockingbirds need to feed their young.
Tennessee's choice of birds reflects the state itself: a mix of bold, loud personality and a quiet, rugged connection to the land. Whether it's the mockingbird singing from a rooftop or a quail scurrying through a fencerow, these birds are part of the Tennessee identity. Understanding them helps you understand the landscape a little better.
Next time you hear a bird that sounds like a car alarm, or a whistle that sounds like a name, you'll know exactly which Tennessee icon you're dealing with. They aren't just animals; they're the soundtrack of the state.
To get involved in local conservation, contact the Tennessee Wildlife Federation or check the TWRA website for upcoming habitat restoration workshops in your county. Supporting local land trusts is also a direct way to ensure the Bobwhite Quail has a home in Tennessee for another hundred years.