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Adult: You may pay the property taxes but the property belongs to the mockingbird! It may decide for you which other birds (people, cats, snakes) are allowed to visit you. The aggressive mockingbird is sometimes gallant in its hopeless attempts to defend its territory against hordes of invading, berry-loving cedar waxwings.

The Northern Mockingbird is a conspicuous bird, slim and streamlined, with long legs. It is gray above, whitish below. White wing bars and patches and white outer tail feathers highlight darker wings and tail.

Breeding Plumage: No marked change.

Immature: Similar to adult. Breast is spotted with pale color for a short period.

Habitat: The Northern Mockingbird is a creature of the edge, preferring open expanses bordered by dense shrubby cover--urban or suburban homes, parks, orange groves, hardwood or pine woods and farm areas.

Mockers are Florida residents, often raising two broods each year. The male signs late into moonlit spring nights, not always pleasing its human tenants who want sleep, not serenade. The mocking bird can imitate almost any sound it is accustomed to--birds, animals, man, machines--and practices diligently, usually repeating each sequence three times. It relishes a variety of foods: fruits, berries, insects, invertebrates and snakes.

Text by Mary Jean Rogers, West Volusia Audubon.

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