Mockingbird

There are many reasons why Harper Lee chose the mockingbird as a part of the title of her book. The mockingbird is found in just about every habitat type in the state. The males’ territoriality and constant singing and displaying during the breeding season make them the most noticeable bird in Texas. Often this territoriality takes on the form of early morning singing sessions or diving attacks on either animals or people. They have also been known to imitate other sounds they hear such as rusty hinges, whistling and dogs barking. Legend has it when Texas chose the mockingbird as its state bird, the resolution stated that the bird is “a fighter for the protection of his home, falling, if need be, in its defense, like any true Texan…” It’s species name comes from the Greek mimus to mimic, and ployglottos for “many tongued.”

Based on the information that has been found, Harper Lee uses the mockingbird in the title of her book because it’s a fighter. It protects what