Perching

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos
Northern Mockingbird thumbnail
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.

Female | Robert Shantz


Agricultural

Chaparral

Desert

Mesquite bosque

Savanna

Shrubs

Urban city
Bird Sound Type: Buzzing
Sex of Bird: Male
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Bird Sound Type: Buzzing
Sex of Bird: Male
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View Citation

You may need to edit author's name to meet the style formats, which are in most cases "Last name, First name."

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: July 13, 2017
  • Date accessed: March 6, 2024
  • Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/northern-mockingbird

APA Style

Dr. Biology. (2017, July 13). Northern Mockingbird. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved March 6, 2024 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 July, 2017. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/northern-mockingbird

MLA 2017 Style

Dr. Biology. "Northern Mockingbird". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. 6 Mar 2024. 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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