Melodious Mockingbirds

Saturday afternoon I had the windows open because we actually had some sun after 5 or 6 days straight of rain and clouds and was treated to a concert by one very prolific Northern Mockingbird.  It sat on top of a telephone pole across the street and sang its little heart out going through every song in its repertoire several times.  Of course, it not only sings its own songs, but sings the songs of other birds that its picked up which is why it's called a mockingbird.  It could be that he was as glad to see the sun as everybody else, but more likely it was a male looking for a female.

Source:  Buckley

Female mockingbirds also sing but not as insistently.  Even though they are called Northern Mockingbirds, they are more commonly found year around in the southeastern U.S., although they can be found as far north as southeastern Canada in the summer months.  Their diet consists of insects and fruit. They do eat some seeds, but don't seem to frequent bird feeders, or at least not mine. But they are highly territorial and may chase other birds away from a feeder just for the heck of it.  In identifying a mockingbird, their most recognizable feature are their striking white wing bars.

Source:  Duncraft

Very intelligent birds they can not only imitate bird songs, but other animal sounds, as well as things like car alarms.  I would have to say, if MY mockingbird started sounding like a car alarm, I wouldn't find him nearly as endearing.  As long as he sticks to bird songs he can sing as loudly and often as he likes.

To hear what a mockingbird is supposed to sound like, click here.