Northern Mockingbird

Photo: Roland Jordahl

• Scientific Name: Mimus polyglottos.
• Family: Mockingbird.
• Length: 10 inches.
• Wingspan: 14 inches.
• Distinctive Markings: Both sexes are gray with grayish-white undersides and white patches on the bottom of their wings.
• Nest: Pairs build cup-shaped nests in the fork of a shrub. Lays three to six blue or green eggs with brown splotches.
• Song: Almost unlimited variations. Repeats songs several times with a pause before a new series.
• Habitat: Backyards, pastures, orchards, farm hedges and woodland edges.
• Diet: Insects, fruit and berries.
• Backyard Favorites: Berry-producing plants, apple slices, peanut butter, suet, mealworms and raisins.