Mississippi

Birds

Discover the different types of species of birds that live in the south. Some of these birds are native to Mississippi, while other are exotic!

Great Egret

This long neck heron is the most common egret across the globe. They are found in marshes, wetlands, ponds, and tidal mudflats. The great egret breeds in colonies with other egrets and herons.

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Pine Siskin

These are small, brown, streaked finches that have a pointed wings and bill. They can be found all year in any pine forest, as they primarily eat seeds from conifers. They are quite vocal, with a distinctive call that sounds like a zipper being zipped.

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Mockingbird

The northern mockingbird is the official state bird for Mississippi. They are most well known for imitating other birds' calls, and they often sing all day. They frequently flash their under wing patches, perhaps to intimidate their prey or anything that threatens them.

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Help Swallow-Tailed Kites Come Home to Mississippi

Swallow-tailed kites are striking black and white birds that have been spotted in Mississippi for the past several years. They are raptors that prey on lizards and bugs with state and federal protection. The Pearl and Pascagoula rivers are breeding grounds for these birds.

Brian Broom, The Clarion Ledger