Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

Classification

Conservation Status

  • Northern mockingbirds Tennessee’s State Bird. They are highly intelligent and can recognize and remember one person from the next. 
  • While foraging, mockingbirds frequently throw back their wings and flash their white patches. The reason is unknown, but it may be to startle prey or intimidate predators.  
  • Mockingbirds can learn over 200 songs and imitate everything from birds, to cats, dogs, crickets, frogs, car alarms, squeaky wheels, and more. 
  • Mockingbirds have a unique vocalization they’ll use to call neighboring mockingbirds with, if they need help defending their territory.