What is the State Bird of South Carolina?
South Carolina has a variety of official symbols, including its state bird. The South Carolina General Assembly designated the Northern Mockingbird as the official state bird in 1988. This species of mockingbird is also known as Mimus polyglottus, and it’s found throughout North America and parts of Mexico.
Appearance
The Northern Mockingbird can be identified by its slate-gray feathers, white underparts, black wings with white patches, long tail that often points downward at rest and pink legs. Adult males are slightly larger than adult females and have more distinct gray markings on their heads during breeding season. Males also have a syrinx – a vocal organ located between their lungs to produce song – which allows them to sing complex melodies for up to 15 minutes or more in length without repeating themselves! They typically weigh 2 ounces (56 grams).
Behavior
Mockingbirds are quite social creatures who live in large flocks year-round. During the day they move around searching for insects such as crickets and grasshoppers to eat while keeping an eye out for predators like hawks or cats. At night they roost together in trees or bushes where they’re safe from danger but still able to keep watch over their territory. When threatened or alarmed by something new entering into their area, these birds will vigorously defend it by swooping down upon intruders with loud calls meant to scare them away!
Habits
Northern Mockingbirds prefer open habitats such as fields, farms and pastures but may also be found near urban areas if there is enough suitable habitat nearby. During mating season these birds become very territorial over small areas that contain food sources like gardens filled with fruits (especially berries), nuts or other edible items; protecting it against all other intruders including other mockingbirds who venture too close! They typically make nests high off the ground near thick vegetation so that potential predators cannot get access easily – this could include anything from shrubs/trees at least 6 feet tall all the way up through taller building structures like radio towers!
