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D & D Wildlife Photography
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The Northern Mockingbird is one of the top song birds in North America. They are long streamlined gray birds reaching approximately 10 inches in length, about the size of robins but with a slimmer and more streamlined shape. The crown, nape, and upperparts are gray with the underparts a grayish white. Wings are blackish with two white wingbars and a broad white patch across the base of the primary feathers. The white patches on the wings are conspicuous in flight and when the wings are held aloft in territorial displays. The tail is blackish with white outer feathers. Eyes are pale yellow, and the long, slightly decurved bill is black. Their relatively long legs are also black. Sexes are similar, although males are slightly larger on average. The Northern Mockingbird feeds on the ground and in foliage, eating various insects, spiders, berries and seed. The best way to attract them to your garden is to have a ready source of water available. They do not generally like seed feeders; try placing a fruit, platform or suet feeder in an accessible location.Length: 9 to 11 inches
Habitat: Open areas with shrubs, gardens, parks. Lives from southern Oregon through northern Utah to Newfoundland and south to Mexico and the West Indies. Mockingbirds require open grassy areas for their feeding, thick, thorny shrubs for hiding the nest and high perches where the male can sing and defend his territory. Gardens are among its favorite dwelling places especially if winter berries are available.
Voice: Song mimics other birds', each version repeated three or more times; calls include a raspy "chjjj" and a loud "chewk."
Other Behavior: Mockingbirds form territories of about 1 - 2 acres, 2 times a year. In spring the male sings and defends a breeding trerritory against other mockingbirds, cats, snakes, people, large birds, and any other potential predator. In fall, both male and female sing and defend a feeding territory centered around a good source of berries. They will chase out other mockingbirds, robins, jays, and starlings. Northern Mockingbirds sing most of the year, from February to August, and again from late September to early November, when winter territories are being established. They often sing at night.
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