Northern Mockingbird
Mimus polyglottos
Perching
Length: 10 in. (25 cm )
Occurring in many types of open habitats, this species is as familiar in arid deserts as it is in suburbs and city centers. It is best known for its remarkable ability to mimic other birds\' songs as well as mechanical noises, such as whistles, cars and trains. The Mockingbird often flashes the big white patches in its wings and tail to intimidate rivals and cats. It aggressively defends its nest, even from unwary humans, by dive bombing perceived intruders. Unmated males sing all though the night in the Spring. It eats insects, invertebrates and fruits, and the nest is a cup-shaped construction placed in dense tangles or shrubbery.
The four-digit banding code is NOMO.
Male |
Female |
Agricultural
Chaparral
Desert
Mesquite bosque
Savanna
Shrubs
Urban city
You may need to edit author's name to meet the style formats, which are in most cases "Last name, First name."
https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/northern-mockingbird
Bibliographic details:
- Article: Northern Mockingbird
- Author(s): Dr. Biology
- Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
- Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
- Date published: 13 Jul, 2017
- Date accessed: 29 May, 2025
- Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/northern-mockingbird
APA Style
Dr. Biology. (Thu, 07/13/2017 - 15:37). Northern Mockingbird. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/northern-mockingbird
American Psychological Association. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/
Chicago Manual of Style
Dr. Biology. "Northern Mockingbird". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/northern-mockingbird
For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/717/04/
MLA 2017 Style
Dr. Biology. "Northern Mockingbird". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/northern-mockingbird
Modern Language Association, 7th Ed. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/
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