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Mississippi wildlife: what to see & when

Northern mockingbird, Green treefrog on cattail and Bald Eagle top the list of animals to look for on a Mississippi RV trip. Below: the best months to catch each one, the RV-friendly habitats where you have a real chance, and how to watch from a respectful distance so wildlife stays wild. All facts come from state and federal wildlife agencies.

Mississippi landscape.

Browse Mississippi RVs Wildlife by state

Species in this guide: 5

Northern mockingbird Mimus polyglottos

Mississippi's state bird, a tireless songster and mimic.

Best months: Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug

Gulf Islands National SeashoreNatchez Trace ParkwaySam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge

Common, a tireless mimic in towns and edges

Full guide →

Green treefrog on cattail Hyla cinerea

Bright green with pale stripe, calls from cattails at dusk.

Best months: Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep

Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge near StarkvillePascagoula River Audubon Center in Gautier

Common in wetlands across the Southeast.

Full guide →

Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Bald Eagles winter along Mississippi's rivers and reservoirs.

Best months: Jan · Feb · Mar · Dec

Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge (Brooksville, MS)Mississippi River - Vicksburg Riverfront (Vicksburg, MS)St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge (Natchez, MS)

Winter resident, also year-round nesting pairs

Full guide →

Summer Tanager (male) Piranga rubra

Males are striking red; females are yellow

Best months: Apr · May · Jun · Jul

Noxubee National Wildlife RefugeDeSoto National Forest

Common summer resident across Mississippi

Full guide →

Redfish (Red Drum) Sciaenops ocellatus

Thrives in brackish marshes and estuaries along the Gulf Coast

Best months: Sep · Oct · Nov

Gulf Islands National Seashore (Davis Bayou Area)Grand Bay National Wildlife RefugeMississippi Sound marshes near Ocean Springs

Common inshore gamefish, abundant in Mississippi Sound

Full guide →

Make it a trip

Rent an RV or boat in Mississippi

The rigs here are owned by local hosts. Browse what fits your route, or reach Mississippi owners directly.

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Rent an RV in Mississippi

Drive to the habitats above on your own schedule.

National parks to explore

Park rules, rig limits, and the seasons to plan around.

Mississippi & wildlife merch

Carry the trip home — state and animal collections.

Nearby & related

Keep planning Mississippi

Sourced costs, campground directories, and the places worth a detour — the next layer of Mississippi trip planning.

← More wildlife by state