Editor’s note: ‘Texas Times’ is a column from U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.
The early bird gets the worm, but the mockingbird gets the final word. While their outward appearance may be unassuming, these skilled songbirds are the official bird of Texas for their ingenuity in using joyous tunes and talented mimicry to not only serenade Texans but also outwit unsuspecting predators.
The history of the mockingbird’s official status in Texas dates back to Jan. 31, 1927, when the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs appealed to the 40th Texas Legislature to adopt the mockingbird as the state’s bird. The Legislature did, and Gov. Dan Moody approved the measure, making Texas one of the first states to designate an official state bird. Nearly 100 years later, it’s still just as beloved today.