The Magnolia State of Mississippi is considered the birthplace of blues music. Know everything about the backyard birds of Mississippi in this article.
State Bird of Mississippi
In 1944, the Northern Mockingbird was declared the state bird of Mississippi. The Northern Mockingbird is known to process exceptional vocal abilities. Do you know that the Northern Mockingbird can sing up to two hundred songs?
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Backyard Birds of Mississippi
● Over 406 bird species have been identified in this hospitality state.
● States sharing common bird species are – Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Alabama.
● Backyard birds include the Vesper Sparrow (least frequent) to the Northern Mockingbird (most frequent).
Attracting Birds to Your Mississippi Backyard
● Lawn mowing – Backyard birds are in constant search of food and this is one of the most effective ways you can help these cute little angels find it.
● Native plants such as oakleaf hydrangea, red maple, and yarrow can help lure them to your backyard.
● Roosting boxes, nest boxes, water, and food can help attract backyard birds.
Tip: Add a shelter space to your Mississippi yard and wait for the magic to happen!
Fun Bird Watching Activities for Your Backyard
Bird-watching is enjoyable as well as therapeutic at the same time. It also gets your brain working. This inexpensive hobby is ideal for you if you like spending some quiet time on your own. Do try the great backyard bird count activity in your Mississippi backyard. The great backyard bird count activity consists of identifying backyard birds and counting them.
Identifying Backyard Birds
● Notice its shape – is it sleek or stocky?
● Does the backyard bird of Mississippi have a crest?
● Is its beak thick or thin?
Answers to the questions above will help you in identifying backyard birds.
Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker is a black and white woodpecker. These Woodpeckers are often seen in backyards, parks, and woodlots. Woodpeckers don’t sing songs, they drum. In the winter Downy Woodpeckers like to hang out with other birds, such as the Nuthatch and Chickadee. The Downy Woodpecker can be found throughout North America.
Dark-eyed Junco
The Dark-eyed Junco is one of the most abundant birds in North America. They have a gray-brown body with bright white tail feathers. Dark-eyed Juncos are found on the ground in open or partially wooded areas. They have a twittering call and a trilling song.
Mourning Dove
The Mourning Dove is a graceful bird with a small head and tail. These Doves can be found throughout North America. Mourning Doves perch on telephone wires or other high locations. Their flight is fast and straight. The Mourning Dove likes to eat seeds usually found on the ground.
Pine Siskin
The Pine Siskin is found throughout North America. Pine Siskins are small songbirds with a pointed bill and a short tail. They are brown birds with yellow on their wings and tails. Pine Siskins can be found in pine trees looking for seeds, sometimes even hanging upside down.
Carolina Chickadee
The Carolina Chickadee is found in the Southeastern United States. They are black and white, with gray wings. These Chickadees love sunflowers and peanut chips. They like to grab their food and then go somewhere else to eat, so they can be alone. The Carolina Chickadee likes to hang out with other birds, such as the Warbler.
Chipping Sparrow
Chipping Sparrows have a bright brown crown on the top of their head, a black eyeline and are grayish underneath. Their wings are streaked dark and light brown with a wingbar. They are seen throughout the U.S. They can be seen in trees and grassy areas and like to make their homes in open woods, orchards, and other farmlands. Chipping Sparrows mostly eat insects and seeds but will also eat grasses and other plant material. They make their nest in trees up to 15 feet high. They lay 2 to 7 eggs. Chipping Sparrows migrate short distances and some are permanent residents.
Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern Bluebird lives in the eastern United States. They live as far south as Nicaragua, Central America. Bluebirds have a royal blue back and head. Their chest is a red-brown color. Bluebirds can often be found perched somewhere high, like a power line. Eastern Bluebirds enjoy eating insects, berries, and wild fruit.
Bird Feeders that Attract Backyard Birds
The best bird feeders to lure backyard birds are:
- Pokeberries – Warm winter food and loved by most backyard birds.
- Sunflower seeds – This can be the staple food source of your backyard bird feeder. It is loved by Chickadees, Nuthatches, and Cardinals.
- Peanut butter – This food provides extra energy and warmth. Tree Sparrows and Juncos prefer this food during cold weather.
- Suet – The all-time favorite food of insect-eating backyard birds.
Final Words
This article was all about the backyard birds of Mississippi. We are sure you will find the utmost happiness while attracting, watching, and identifying the backyard birds in the coming fall and spring!
