The northern mockingbird has been the official state bird of Texas for over 100 years.
However, new efforts from a group of lawmakers could see the mockingbird lose its title, and replace by a rare, endangered songbird that nests nowhere else in the world but Texas.
Rep. Shelley Luther (R-Sherman) filed House Bill 309, while Rep. Eddie Morales Jr. (D-Eagle Pass) introduced House Bill 433, which both would name the golden-cheeked warbler the state bird of Texas.
Morales said he supports the change after hearing from conservationists and advocates who want to bring more attention to the endangered species, telling Chron, “I have nothing against the Mockingbird,” explaining that the golden-cheeked warbler deserves recognition as the only bird species that nests exclusively in Texas.
While the mockingbird can be spotted year-round in Texas, the golden-cheeked warbler breeds exclusively in mature juniper and oak woodlands across roughly 33 Central Texas counties. It has been federally listed as endangered since 1990, mostly due to habitat loss.
The 90th Texas Legislature is scheduled to convene Jan. 12. If these bills are approved, the proposed change could take effect Sept. 1, 2027.
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