Prairie Bird steamed down the Mississippi River in mid-February 1863, to assist USS Juliet, grounded 20 miles below Island No.

She then continued on to Memphis, Tennessee, whence she escorted a provision ship to the Yazoo River, where she joined the Mississippi Squadron.

On the 22nd Prairie Bird, having received engine damage, rescued survivors from Petrel, then retired to Vicksburg for repairs.

On 21 July she seized the steamer Union for violation of revenue laws and giving "aid and comfort to the enemy."

The following December she joined with other vessels and Union Army units to cut the rebel communications in Mississippi and on the 31st assisted blowing the railway bridge over the Big Black River.