Northern Mockingbird
Least ConcernMimus polyglottos
Visual Identification
Northern Mockingbird
Appearance
The Northern Mockingbird is a medium-sized songbird with a slender body and long legs. Its plumage is predominantly gray on the upper parts and whitish-gray on the underparts, with distinctive white patches on the wings and tail.
Both males and females share similar coloration. Juveniles resemble adults but may have a slightly speckled breast. The bird's wings display conspicuous white wing bars and patches that are especially visible during flight.
Size
Length
21cm to 26cm
Wingspan
31cm to 35cm
Weight
45g to 58g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey White
Secondary Colour
Black Brown
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Northern Mockingbirds are widely distributed across North America, from southern Canada through the United States and into Mexico. They thrive in a variety of open habitats, including suburban areas, city parks, farmlands, and forest edges.
These birds are year-round residents throughout most of their range in the United States. Some individuals may move south during harsh winters in the northernmost parts of their distribution, but this migration is not consistent or widespread.
There have been a handful of sightings in the UK, one in 1982 (Saltash, Cornwall), 1988 (Horsey Island, Essex), and 2021 (Exmouth, Devon), making it an extremely rare sighting.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 3,100 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Northern Mockingbirds have a diverse diet that includes both animal and plant matter. They primarily feed on insects such as beetles, ants, and grasshoppers, but also consume berries, fruits, and seeds. In winter, they may rely more heavily on fruit when insects are scarce.
Behaviour
Northern Mockingbirds are known for their bold and territorial behavior. They often perch prominently on high points, such as treetops or fenceposts, to survey their territory.
These birds are also ground foragers, frequently seen running and stopping to search for insects. During the breeding season, males perform elaborate flight displays to attract mates.
Vocalisation
The Northern Mockingbird is renowned for its vocal abilities. Its song is a long series of phrases, each repeated 2-6 times before moving to a new sound.
They can mimic over 200 different songs, including other birds, insects, amphibians, and even mechanical sounds. Their call is a harsh, raspy 'chack' often used as an alarm.
Nesting & Breeding
Northern Mockingbirds typically form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, from spring to early summer. Males court females with elaborate songs and flight displays, often singing throughout the night.
Nests are usually built in dense shrubs or trees, 3-10 feet above the ground. The female constructs a cup-shaped nest using twigs, grass, and leaves, often lined with softer materials. She lays 2-6 pale blue or greenish eggs with brown spots.
Incubation lasts about 12-13 days, primarily by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after about 12-14 days. Mockingbirds often raise 2-3 broods per season.
Lifespan
The Northern Mockingbird typically lives for 8 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 20 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Northern Mockingbird is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Its adaptability to urban and suburban environments has helped maintain stable populations across much of its range. However, habitat loss and climate change may pose future challenges, particularly in certain regions.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for mockingbirds in open areas with scattered vegetation, such as parks, suburbs, and forest edges.
- Listen for their varied and repeated song phrases, often mimicking other birds and sounds.
- Watch for their distinctive wing flashing behavior, where they open and close their wings to reveal white patches.
- Observe their territorial behavior, especially during breeding season when they may aggressively defend their area.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Mockingbird
Family:
MimidaePredators
Main predators of Northern Mockingbirds include hawks, owls, and domestic cats. Snakes and raccoons may prey on eggs and nestlings.
Did You Know?
- Northern Mockingbirds can learn up to 200 different songs in their lifetime.
- They are known to sing at night, especially during a full moon or in well-lit areas.
- Mockingbirds can recognize individual humans and may swoop at those they perceive as threats.
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References
- 1 3 4
book, 2000: Carey and Judge, Longevity Records: Life Spans of Mammals, Birds, Amphibians, Reptiles, and Fish
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2017. Mimus polyglottos (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22711026A111233524.
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