Georgia State Bird: Brown Thrasher
Fact-checked • Updated November 25, 2025
Georgia State Bird – Brown Thrasher
Georgia designated the Brown Thrasher as its official state bird on April 6, 1970. The Georgia Federation of Women's Clubs supported the selection after years of public interest. Adults show rufous upperparts and streaked underparts. Birds remain across Georgia through the year. Researchers have documented more than eleven hundred song patterns from this species.
Why Georgia Chose the Brown Thrasher as State Bird
Georgia selected the Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) on April 6, 1970. Governor Lester Maddox signed House Bill 847, officially establishing the bird as a state symbol. The Georgia Federation of Women's Clubs guided the campaign for its adoption.
Georgia is the only state that recognizes the Brown Thrasher as its official bird. The species lives in Georgia year-round, unlike many migratory birds chosen by other southern states.
The Brown Thrasher earned support for its bold nest protection. These birds fiercely guard their eggs and young, driving away snakes, cats, and other predators. This defensive instinct resonated with Georgia’s image of resilience and determination.
Its remarkable singing ability also influenced the decision. Researchers documented more than 1,100 distinct song types from a single Brown Thrasher. This broad repertoire reflects the diversity and creativity found within Georgia’s cultural heritage.
Because Brown Thrashers are common across Georgia—from suburbs to rural thickets—residents regularly encounter the species in their daily lives, making it a relatable and meaningful symbol.
History of Adoption: How the Brown Thrasher Became Georgia's Bird
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Pre-1970 — No Official State Bird
Before 1970, Georgia did not have an official state bird. Various organizations proposed species over the decades, and the Brown Thrasher appeared in publications as a suggested symbol long before adoption.
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1935 — Early Recognition
In 1935, the National Association of Audubon Societies informally identified the Brown Thrasher as Georgia’s bird. This recognition held no legal status but helped raise public awareness.
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1960s — Women’s Clubs Campaign
During the 1960s, the Georgia Federation of Women's Clubs renewed efforts to select an official state bird. Garden clubs and local organizations supported naming the Brown Thrasher, citing its statewide presence and distinctive behavior.
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March 1970 — Legislative Action
Representative Denmark Groover introduced House Bill 847 to the Georgia General Assembly. The bill passed both chambers with strong bipartisan support, reflecting broad agreement across the state.
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April 6, 1970 — Official Designation
Governor Lester Maddox signed the legislation, officially making the Brown Thrasher Georgia’s state bird. The designation now appears in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, Section 50-3-57.
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Current Status
The Brown Thrasher remains Georgia’s official state bird. Georgia law states simply: 'The brown thrasher is adopted as the official state bird.'
What the Brown Thrasher Means to Georgia
Fighting Spirit
Brown Thrashers aggressively defend nests from predators. Their determination symbolizes Georgia’s historic perseverance and strong sense of identity.
Musical Heritage
Georgia is home to influential musicians from numerous genres. The Brown Thrasher’s expansive vocal range echoes this musical diversity, with each bird combining repeated phrases into complex, varied songs.
Year-Round Presence
Because Brown Thrashers do not migrate long distances, they remain in Georgia throughout the year. This consistency reflects the lasting connection many Georgians feel to their home state.
Suburban Adaptability
Brown Thrashers adapt well to Georgia’s changing landscape. As cities and suburbs expanded, the birds continued to thrive in gardens, hedgerows, and forest edges.
Physical Characteristics of Georgia's Brown Thrasher
Plumage Coloring
Brown Thrashers display rich rufous coloring on their backs, wings, and tails. Their underparts are white with bold black streaks. Two white wing bars help identify the species in flight.
Bill and Eye Features
The long, slightly curved bill helps the birds dig through leaf litter in search of insects. Their bright yellow eyes contrast with the warm brown face feathers.
Size Comparison
Adults measure 9–12 inches in length—larger than robins but smaller than crows. Nearly half of their length comes from the long, expressive tail.
Distinctive Markings
Heavy streaking on the breast and belly, rufous tail feathers, and white wing bars make the Brown Thrasher easy to identify. Its long legs are adapted for moving through dense shrubs.
Behavior & Habits of the Brown Thrasher
Singing Ability
Male Brown Thrashers sing from prominent perches, often at dawn and dusk. Each phrase is typically repeated twice before the bird switches to a new pattern. Scientists have recorded 1,100+ unique song types from individual birds.
Nest Defense
Brown Thrashers defend their nests vigorously. They drive away snakes, mammals, and larger birds with rapid strikes. While rare, some individuals may challenge humans who approach too closely, especially during nesting season.
Feeding Behavior
Brown Thrashers search for food by flipping leaves and probing soil with their curved bill. Summer diets include insects, spiders, beetles, and caterpillars. In fall and winter, they turn to berries, acorns, and seeds. Many Georgia households see thrashers visiting backyard feeders for sunflower seeds.
Mating and Nesting
Pairs form in early spring. Nests are built in dense shrubs or low tree branches. Females lay 3–5 pale blue eggs with brown speckles. Both parents feed nestlings, and Georgia pairs often raise two broods per year.
Territory Size
A Brown Thrasher pair defends roughly 1–10 acres depending on habitat quality. Suburban territories tend to be smaller than rural ones.
Habitat & Conservation in Georgia
Where to Find Brown Thrashers in Georgia
Brown Thrashers live throughout Georgia, from the Appalachian foothills to the coastal plain. Suburban yards with mature shrubs, rural thickets, and woodland edges offer excellent habitat.
Habitat Requirements
These birds need dense shrubs for nesting, open ground for foraging, and leaf litter to support insect prey. Mixed habitats combining trees and understory vegetation suit them best.
Conservation Status in Georgia
Across North America, Brown Thrasher populations declined by more than 40% since the 1960s, according to long-term surveys. Georgia populations remain comparatively stable, and the species holds a global status of Least Concern.
Threats to Georgia Populations
Urban development reduces shrub habitat needed for nesting. Outdoor cats prey heavily on ground-feeding birds. Pesticides reduce insect populations. Increasing drought conditions may affect nesting success.
How to Help Brown Thrashers in Georgia
- Plant native shrubs like beautyberry and elderberry
- Keep cats indoors during nesting season (April–July)
- Leave leaf litter under shrubs for natural foraging areas
- Avoid trimming shrubs during spring and early summer
- Provide fresh water year-round
- Support Georgia conservation groups protecting forest-edge habitat
- Report sightings to the Georgia Ornithological Society
Interesting Facts About Georgia's Brown Thrasher
Fact 1 of 13
Georgia is the only state with the Brown Thrasher as its official bird
Brown Thrasher Songs & Calls
Hear the clear whistles and sharp calls of the Brown Thrasher. These field recordings capture their distinctive voice in natural habitat.
Audio licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Sources & References
This article has been researched using authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. All information has been fact-checked and verified against official government records and scientific databases.
Georgia state law officially designating the Brown Thrasher as the state bird. • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Authoritative species guide covering identification, vocalizations, habitat, and behavior. • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Detailed species profile with range map, conservation notes, and natural history. • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Comprehensive encyclopedic overview of the Brown Thrasher’s taxonomy, distribution, and characteristics. • Accessed: November 30, 2025
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