A vocal virtuoso that learns and mimics the songs of dozens of other species — plus car alarms, cell phone rings, and creaky gates. State bird of five US states.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The northern mockingbird is a mockingbird commonly found in North America, of the family Mimidae. The species is also found in some parts of the Caribbean, as well as on the Hawaiian Islands. It is typically a permanent resident across much of its range, but northern mockingbirds may move farther south during inclement weather or prior to the onset of winter. The northern mockingbird has gray to brown upper feathers and a paler belly. Its tail and wings have white patches which are visible in flight.
Source: Wikipedia — Northern mockingbird Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Gray-brown above; bold white wing patches and outer tail feathers.
Similar species. Brown Thrasher. Gray Catbird.
Voice. Famously varied mimicry song.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Insects in summer; fruits in winter.
Behavior. Year-round territorial. Famous for mimicry.
§ Range
Throughout the southern US, expanding north and west
§ Habitat
Open country, farmland, suburbs, parks
§ Threats
Outdoor cats, vehicle strikes, pesticide-driven insect declines.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the northern mockingbird is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Keep cats indoors. Plant berry-producing native shrubs (winterberry, elderberry). Reduce light pollution.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Northern mockingbird
- www.allaboutbirds.org — authoritative profile of Mimus polyglottos
- IUCN Red List · taxon 22711026
- iNaturalist · taxon 13042
- eBird · normoc
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Mimus polyglottos
§ Sources cited
- Cornell Lab — All About Birds
- Audubon Field Guide
- Project FeederWatch
- IUCN Red List 2018
