Northern Mockingbird
Mimus polyglottos
Florida’s state bird is a bold, adaptable songbird known for copying other birds and defending neighborhood territories.
Florida’s state bird is a bold, adaptable songbird known for copying other birds and defending neighborhood territories.
A slender gray bird with a pale belly, long tail, yellow eyes, and broad white wing patches that flash in flight or during ground displays.
Sings from exposed perches, runs across lawns, flashes its wings while foraging, and aggressively defends nests and fruiting shrubs.
Harmless, though nesting adults may dive near people or pets. Step away from the nest area and give the birds time to settle.
Protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Capturing birds or disturbing active nests, eggs, and young is prohibited.
Habitat:
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Agricultural Areas, Urban and Residential Areas
Area / Range:
Statewide
Diet:
Insects, spiders, earthworms, berries, and other small fruits. The diet shifts toward fruit in cooler months.
Behavior:
Sings from exposed perches, runs across lawns, flashes its wings while foraging, and aggressively defends nests and fruiting shrubs.
Daytime, Dawn
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Morning on fences, roof peaks, utility lines, lawns, and fruiting shrubs
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Least Concern
Safety Level:
Safe to Observe
Safety Information:
Harmless, though nesting adults may dive near people or pets. Step away from the nest area and give the birds time to settle.
Benefits to Property:
Consumes many lawn and garden insects and uses native berry-producing shrubs for food and cover.
Property Concerns:
Territorial birds may sing at night near bright lights or swoop near nests. Avoid pruning occupied shrubs.
Fun Fact:
A single adult may learn hundreds of song phrases and often repeats each phrase several times before switching.
Wildlife Laws:
Protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Capturing birds or disturbing active nests, eggs, and young is prohibited.
Identification:
A slender gray bird with a pale belly, long tail, yellow eyes, and broad white wing patches that flash in flight or during ground displays.