Between the spring peepers, cicadas, screeching owls, and other critters, there are lots of nature sounds in Arkansas that trigger fond childhood memories. With over 18 million acres of forestland, we can expect thousands of species of insects and animals to call the Natural State home. There is one animal sound that stands out amongst the rest and it’s the sweet melodies of the southern mockingbird. This lovely songbird has the most angelic vocals that you can imagine and it’s one of the favorite nature sounds of Arkansans. It’s no wonder that this creature was named the official state bird, and we can’t get enough of its nostalgic tunes during the day. Read on to discover more about one of the sweetest sounds you’ll hear in Arkansas.  

Designated as the official state bird of Arkansas in 1929, the northern mockingbird can be found all throughout the state.
nature sounds of Arkansans
Karen Roussel/flickr
The songbird is also the official state bird for Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.
Ken Thomas, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Mockingbirds primarily live in the south year-round (shown in green on the map above), and never migrate. I mean why would they, we have the best weather!
These medium-sized gray birds, scientifically named Mimus Polyglottos, or “mimic of many tongues” have certainly earned their name.
DickDaniels (http://theworldbirds.org/), CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
They can mimic the sounds of other animals including other bird species, dogs, frogs, lizards, humans, and even noises from manmade objects.
Renee Grayson/flickr
But don’t let that fool you, these songbirds have over 200 melodies that are unique to their species. So, their vocal abilities are truly unmatched.

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You can hear the sweet sounds of these birds all day long in Arkansas, triggering a fondness for when life was much simpler.
Matthew Paulson/flickr
At night, the male mockingbird is usually singing his way into his next love interest heart.
Not only are the songbirds vocally incredible, but they are also helpful to farmers. They help to regulate the bug population on farmlands throughout the state.
Andrew Weitzel/flickr
Moreover, the mockingbird is so loved that it is a staple in pop culture, showing up in movies, novels, lullabies, and more.
Pioneer Library System/flickr
Another interesting fact about the mockingbird is that they can be territorial especially during nesting season. Take my word, don't mess with them...you have been warned!
nature sounds of Arkansans
Doug Greenberg/flickr
If for some reason, you have never stopped and listened to the nostalgic melodies of the mockingbird, here’s a video by Cornell Lab of Ornithology of what it sounds like:

So, the next time you see a mockingbird in nature, pause, listen to its sweet melodious calls, and remember the days when life in Arkansas was much simpler.
Renee Grayson/flickr

Did you know that the mockingbird was the official state bird of Arkansas? Do you agree with us that it’s one of the favorite nature sounds of Arkansans? Tell us in the comments below. 

Want to hear about more animals that make nostalgic nature sounds? Check out our article telling you all about spring peepers in Arkansas. 

Thousands Of Singing Spring Peepers Are A Welcome Sound Of A New Season Here In Arkansas

 

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