Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos

All The Birds Of North America: Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos

Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos A common bird in open countryside, the Northern Mockingbird sings throughout the year, seeming never to tire of performing its extensive repertoire of imitations and musical phrases. This species' skillful mimicry is not restricted to the songs of other birds; the Mockingbird has been known to imitate the noises of farm machinery, clucking hens, and even the sound of a piano. The Mockingbird is very territorial, and often chases other species of birds away from promising sources of food.

Identification 11". Soft gray above, paler gray to whitish below, with white wing bars and long tail. In flight, wings show bold white patches; tail shows white borders.

Voice Song a rich, infinitely varied medley of harsh and musical notes, interspersed with imitations and repetitions.

Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Habitat Woodland edges, desert scrub, cities, farms, suburbs.

Range Breeds from N. California to S. Wisconsin and Nova Scotia, south to Mexico and Florida. Northernmost populations move southward in winter.