What is the State Bird of Georgia? (And Why?)

brown thrush (Toxoplasma red) as Georgia’s state bird seems unlikely given Georgia’s many brightly colored songbirds to choose from. But once you learn more about this unique bird and how it was elected Georgia’s state bird, you’ll better understand the reasons behind this seemingly odd choice.

When did the brown thrush become Georgia’s state bird?

In 1928, a group of schoolchildren made the first attempt to declare the brown thrush Georgia’s state bird, choosing the bird as their first choice.

According to some sources, the red-headed woodpecker was also considered, but was dropped because local tree owners objected to the option. It’s unclear whether the kids chose Brown Thrasher themselves, or if they were presented with a variety of options.Regardless, their voices are supported Federation of State Women’s Clubs and Atlanta Bird ClubA bill declaring the brown thrush Georgia’s state bird was quickly introduced, but was not implemented at the time.

In 1935, Governor Eugene Talmadge issued a proclamation declaring the brown thrush the state bird of Georgia. The brown thrush would not become Georgia’s official state bird until some 35 years later, when a resolution was introduced to and passed by the Georgia State Legislature on March 20, 1970, with the support of the Georgia Garden Club.

The delay in making the brown thrush the official state bird was due in part to other claims that the quail should be the state bird, but this was met with opposition because many felt it was wrong for people to shoot and eat the state bird. Consequently, a resolution of March 20, 1970 also designated the quail as the state’s official game bird.

brown bill perched

Why is the brown thrush the state bird of Georgia?

Little is known why the brown thrush was chosen as Georgia’s state bird, but the choice is presumed to be due to the bird’s distinctive songThe brown thrush has an impressive range of calls and can imitate other birds, even making sounds similar to human kisses. According to Cornell Labs, the Brown Thrasher has more than 1,100 sounds. Brown thrushes tend to sing with a phrase repeated twice before moving on to another sound or phrase.

How did the brown thrush get its name?

Once again, the origin of this lively bird’s name seems somewhat uncertain.

Some claim he was named for the way he twitches his tail, which is similar to the motion a thresher uses to remove seeds from harvested grain stalks. Others believe the name derives from the bird’s behavior when foraging under leaves and bushes, as he tends to flail and whip, turning leaves and soil in search of palatable food.

Either way, the brown thresher shark seems to be named for its penchant for scurrying around and stirring up the surrounding area.

Brown thrush feeding its young

What does a brown thrush look like?

It can be difficult to catch a glimpse of the brown thrush, as the bird is notoriously shy and frequents areas under trees and bushes, which are likely to be well camouflaged. But don’t let his elusiveness fool you into thinking you should keep an eye out for a small songbird.

The Brown Thrasher is an impressive 9 to 12 inches long, with a rusty brown back covering and a distinctly light belly with a striking dark stripe. The brown thrush has two black and white wing bars, piercing yellow eyes, and a long, slightly curved beak. He tends to hold his long tail feathers upward. Male and female brown thrushes are identical in appearance.

How do you attract brown thrushes to your yard?

Brown thrushes don’t usually feed birds very often, but may eat under a feeder, especially if you’re offering mealworms to backyard birds. They may also be attracted to dried berries and fruit. But the best way to attract the brown thrush to your yard is to provide the natural habitat he craves. Try these tips to attract brown thrushes to your yard.

• Plant shrubs and trees that produce berries and nuts. Those with brambles and dense foliage are preferred, as they provide thresher sharks with a place to hide from predators.
• Create brush stacks. Brown thrushes often pile up in bushes to protect them from predators or weather.
• Leave older leaves under shrubs and trees, as they are a favorite feeding ground for long-tailed birds.
• Place a water basin near the ground with no more than 1.5 inches of water in the deepest part of the basin. Sloping bathtubs are preferred. Brown thrushes may visit pedestal birdbaths, but prefer birdbaths close to the ground or in the ground.

Brown long-tailed robin on a backyard suet feeder

Interesting Facts About Brown Thrashers

• While the brown thrush is a shy bird and tends to stay in dense foliage, that all changes when it has a nest to protect. He suddenly becomes aggressive and will chase away anyone or anything that threatens the lair.
• Brown thrushes are poor flyers and spend most of their time on shrubs and small trees, or foraging under leaves and undergrowth.
• They may sing perched on top of tall trees.
• The brown thrush stays with the same mate throughout the season. It’s unclear whether they remain monogamous throughout their lives, as they tend to mate in areas of dense foliage away from human sight, making it difficult for scientists to study their mating habits.
• Brown thrushes lay 3 to 6 eggs and may have two clutches in a season.
• The chicks leave the nest after 9 to 13 days.

The brown thrush may not be the most colorful songbird in Georgia, but it makes up for what it lacks in color with its amazing range of calls. Its striking yellow eyes and unusual foraging behavior also make it a bird worth finding.