Northern mockingbird
Mimus polyglottos
35.9214, -86.8522
Field Notes
Description:
The Northern Mockingbird appearance is usually gray/dark gray backs and white underparts. The layers of the wings are black, white, and gray. Part of their scapulars and tertiaries is made of a white spot in the wing which is usually hidden. The bottom feathers of the tail are white, while the rest are a black/gray color. Northern mockingbirds normally have many black spots in the feathers of the breast area. The legs are black at the front, but a bit lighter at the back. The talons are black. The pupil of the eye is almost always black, but the sclera of the eye can range from a pitch black to a bright orange/red color.
Mockingbirds are generally 8–12 in including a tail almost as long as its body.
Habitat:
Semi rural.
Notes:
We planted a 300' mixed hedgerow last spring & although most of the shrubs & trees are still small it is proving a hit with the birds, especially the mockingbirds who are taking advantage of the holly berries at the moment.
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