Northern Mockingbird

Here are some interesting Northern Mockingbird facts. This bird enjoys making its presence known. It usually sits conspicuously on high vegetation, fences, eaves, or telephone wires, or runs and hops along the ground. It is the only mockingbird native to the United States. Found alone or in pairs throughout the year, mockingbirds aggressively chase off intruders on their territory.

The Northern Mockingbird call (or Northern Mockingbird song) has made this bird famous, with its varied repetitions and artful imitations. It is heard all day during nesting season (and often all night as well). With its amazing ability to mimic other bird songs and sounds, the scientific name polyglottos (“many-tongued”) is very apt for this member of the Mimidae bird family. Known as “mockers,” these birds are prolific breeders.

One female set an astonishing record of laying 27 Northern Mockingbird eggs in a single season. But don’t get too close; mockingbirds can be extraordinarily territorial. They’ve been known to swoop and dive at pretty much anything, including people, that get too close to a Northern Mockingbird baby still living in the nest.